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Pieriuigi Gazzolo is MTV Latin America MD
MUMBAI: Pierluigi Gazzolo has been appointed MTV Latin America MD.
In this capacity, Gazzolo is responsible for leading the business and creative development across all the MTV Networks (MTVN) brands, whose channels are seen throughout Latin America in more than 20 countries.
Gazzolo is Miami based at MTV Networks Latin America’s headquarters. It has regional offices in Buenos Aires, Mexico City and Sao Paulo. He replaces Antoinette Zel.
MTV Networks International president Bill Roedy said, “With more than ten years of MTVN experience in the region and a deep understanding of our brands, Pier has the expertise, knowledge and passion needed to take our leadership in Latin America to the next level.
“Pier has been instrumental in successfully developing and implementing the company’s overall strategy in the region, He is extremely in-tune with the market and highly regarded in the industry. I am confident that Pier’s business savvy and respect for the creative process that drives this company, will position him to continue MTVN Latin America’s growth, creative excellence and strong connection to its audience.”
Prior to this new position, Gazzolo was responsible for MTVN Latin America’s content distribution strategy through digital and traditional platforms of pay TV, broadcast, cable, MMDS and DTH. He significantly increased MTV and Nick’s distribution in the past five years by 55 per cent and 98 per cent respectively and Nickelodeon Brazil’s distribution by 40 per cent.
Last year he secured distribution for the launch of VH1 Latin America which now can be seen in 3.3 million households in Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Paraguay and Honduras, with additional countries to be announced shortly. He has also led the company’s move into content distribution via digital, interactive, wireless, ITV, broadband and online.
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.
