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MTV Networks names Hirschhorn as chief digital officer
MUMBAI: MTV Networks has appointed Jason Hirschhorn as the chief digital officer (CDO). Effective immediately, this new executive position creates a senior global leader of MTV Networks’ digital media businesses and interactive strategy.
In this new global role, Hirschhorn will be responsible for creating and implementing cross-company strategies for growing MTV Networks’ existing and future brands — including the music, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and Spike channels — across all existing and emerging digital platforms.
Additionally, he will coordinate the business, product development and technical operations of MTV Networks’ expanding portfolio of digital media businesses while overseeing new acquisitions in the interactive space, including the recently-acquired video destination IFilm. He will also work with corporate development and each brand on all merger, acquisition, new business and integration efforts.
Hirschhorn will report to MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath. He will also work with corporate development and each brand on all digital merger, acquisition, new business and integration efforts.
MTV Networks has created this position in order to be better structured to leverage and scale efficiencies across all of the company’s digital operations and better positioned to deploy best-in-class technologies, best operational practices and shared expertise seamlessly across the business.
Hirschhorn joined MTV Networks in March 2000 via the acquisition of his company, Mischief New Media, a web site design and content development firm he founded to serve the entertainment industry.
BILLY DEXTER IS CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER
MTV Networks has appointed Billy Dexter as the company’s executive vice president and chief diversity officer (CDO). This new executive position creates a senior leader of the company’s global initiatives to foster the highest levels of diversity throughout every aspect of its businesses.
Dexter will report to MTV Networks chairman and CEO Judy McGrath and will represent diversity issues on her executive strategy team.
As CDO, Dexter will partner with MTV Networks’ senior leadership to develop strategies that further diversity throughout the company and to identify new ways of enhancing existing initiatives. He will also work with MTV Networks’ current diversity councils and teams to create more formal structures and processes for implementing key recommendations.
Dexter will also continue to forge new partnerships with relevant outside organisations and represent the company’s diversity efforts externally.
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.
