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Next Animation Studio appoints Duntemann as chief creative officer
MUMBAI: Next Animation Studio (NAS) has announced that Matthew Duntemann has joined the company as Chief Creative Officer. Based at NAS headquarters in Taipei, Duntemann will report directly to the CEO Indra Suharjono.
As Chief Creative Officer, Duntemann will direct and develop the nxTOONS platform, as well as oversee the development of TomoNews creative and all other creative projects for the studio. His appointment leads NAS into its next chapter of creating original animation properties, especially children’s animation.
“Matthew brings his unique creative talent and an infectious amount of energy and momentum to the company,” Suharjono said. “With his success of developing the creative brands for Nickelodeon, we are in a stronger position to build and expand on our nxTOONS platform. He is a world-class talent and produces amazing work that entertains and inspires. I am thrilled to see him take this role and really grow the creative vision of NAS.”
Duntemann joins NAS from Nickelodeon and Viacom, where he spent more than 20 years in creative roles across the organization. In his last position as SVP, Creative Director of Nickelodeon Brand Design, Duntemann oversaw the rebranding of the Nickelodeon network family (Nick, Nick Jr., Teennick, Nicktoons and Nick at Nite) across all screens; in the process assembling a world class team of art directors, designers, and animators. One key component of this work, known as the ONE Brand Project, was Duntemann’s lead role in directing the redesign of Nickelodeon’s new logo system — a cohesive visual identity that brought together many disparate parts that was implemented globally across all Nickelodeon brands.
Duntemann’s first position at Viacom was Creative Director on the team that launched TV Land, where he oversaw on-air and off-air design. Later, as the Executive Design Director of Noggin, he developed this preschool brand’s iconic Hand of the Child, Eye of the Designer identity. Duntemann was also responsible for the creation of Moose and Zee, Noggin’s beloved host characters. Noggin’s brand identity that he shepherded still thrives today.
Duntemann returns to Asia after having spent time in Hong Kong as part of the Star TV’s creative team that launched Channel V, a successful youth culture and music brand that rivaled MTV Asia. It was at Star TV that he oversaw a large, award-winning creative team with satellite offices in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Mumbai. He led design, scripting, and production of show packaging, on-air promotions, and interstitials produced in multiple languages and broadcast to 56 countries.
Early in his career, Duntemann worked for CBS News before joining the studio Caesar Video as a designer/art director, providing creative leadership for on-air projects for VH1, Nickelodeon, ABC News, MTV, Cartoon Network, CBS Daytime, ABC Daytime, and Turner Classic Movies, among others. Projects include working on many high-profile commercials, music videos and documentaries, as well as live-action and animated short-form entertainment.
Duntemann has received numerous awards during his multifaceted career, including several Emmys for his campaigns at Viacom, Webby Awards, 4A Hong Kong Advertising Awards and awards from AIGA, American Typography, American Illustration Art Directors Club, One Show, Promax/BDA, and many more.
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.
