News Headline
Media veteran Nitin Chawla moves on from Disney
Mumbai: Global media veteran Nitin Chawla has announced his decision to quit The Walt Disney Company after over a 13 years-stint. He was head of business operations, digital media for direct-to-consumer and international business.
“After 13 wonderful years at The Walt Disney Company (TWDC), I have decided to leave the company and today is my last day,” he said in a recently shared LinkedIn post.
At Disney, Chawla was responsible for business operations, strategy and profitability of The Walt Disney Company’s portfolio of owned, operated and third-party entertainment and news digital assets like ABC, ABC News, Disney, FreeForm, FX, National Geographic, Marvel, and Star Wars.
“As I reflect on my career at Disney, I am filled with nothing but gratitude for the diverse professional opportunities to contribute to the company’s growth. From putting TWDC on the entertainment map in the fast-growing Indian market, driving the company’s innovation agenda through immersive technology-led experiences, and re-positioning Disney’s digital assets for a direct-to-consumer streaming future, it has been an incredible ride,” he further said.
In the same post, Chawla also hinted at his possible next professional assignment. “Through all of this, I’ve worked with and learned from the best and the brightest in the industry, many of whom have become friends and family for life. While I will miss Disney, I’m excited and energized about my next professional chapter. More to come on that in the next few days. Stay tuned.”
In a career spanning over 25 years, Chawla has had a track record of operating and scaling existing businesses, driving technology-led innovation, building new ventures, and driving transformational growth.
He began his journey with Disney as VP (corporate strategy/business development) and GM (interactive business) in 2008. He defined and executed the strategy and growth agenda for the company in India – including, new venture evaluation, M&A and strategic partnerships for existing lines of businesses (television, films, digital, retail). He also led the Disney Interactive operations and P&L (gaming and app/online business).
In 2013, he was elevated to the position of VP and GM, connected experiences (games and interactive experiences) at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
