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SPNI announces Ashok Nambissan & Nitin Nadkarni’s retirement
Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced the retirement of two key leaders, general counsel Ashok Nambissan and chief financial officer (CFO) Nitin Nadkarni, effective 31 August 2024. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping SPNI’s success.
Nitin Nadkarni, who joined SPNI in 2005, has been an invaluable leadership team member, driving the financial mandate and leading strategic financial initiatives for SPNI globally. As CFO, head of broadcast operations and network engineering (BONE), and head of commercial, Nitin has been pivotal in optimising SPNI’s commercial operations, ensuring maximum efficiency, and driving profitability through innovative strategies and diligent management. His sharp business acumen and analytical mindset have been instrumental in SPNI’s financial growth strategy. He has guided SPNI on its sustainability journey, implementing numerous initiatives to achieve a zero environmental footprint by 2050.
With over four decades of experience in the financial sector, Nitin has garnered extensive expertise across industries, including engineering, specialty chemicals, and media & entertainment. His deep knowledge has significantly influenced SPNI’s strategies and operations, providing a solid foundation for the company’s future. Throughout his tenure, he has played a crucial role in fortifying SPNI’s financial resilience, implementing robust internal controls, and enhancing our financial reporting systems. His steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability has set benchmarks within the organisation, ensuring the company’s financial stability and growth.
“Working alongside the leadership team at SPNI has been an enriching experience. Our efforts have always focused on maintaining the highest financial integrity and operational excellence standards. I am proud of our efforts in fostering a culture of accountability and precision. This commitment to excellence continues to drive our success and innovation in the industry,” said Nitin Nadkarni.
According to SPNI MD & CEO NP Singh, “Nitin has been a pillar of strength for SPNI. His financial expertise, strategic insights, and unwavering commitment to excellence have significantly contributed to the company’s success. His leadership has been invaluable in navigating complex financial landscapes and driving sustainable growth. We are immensely grateful for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Ashok Nambissan has been a vital part of SPNI since 2007, playing a crucial role in shaping its legal and regulatory framework and ensuring compliance across all operations. He oversaw the corporate relations, legal and regulatory affairs, and standards & practices functions for SPNI’s businesses in India. As the company’s Ombudsperson, he demonstrated exemplary dedication to integrity and ethical conduct. His leadership successfully navigated SPNI through complex legal landscapes, safeguarding the company’s interests and fostering a culture of compliance. Notably, Ashok was instrumental in significant achievements such as renegotiating IPL rights and acquiring Ten Sports. His strategic insights and legal expertise have consistently propelled the organisation forward.
Reflecting on his time at SPNI, Ashok remarked, “My journey at SPNI has been enriching and filled with growth and learning. I am grateful for the opportunities and the support of my colleagues, who made this journey memorable. Contributing to major negotiations and acquisitions and collaborating with industry bodies to shape regulatory frameworks have been career highlights. I am honoured to have been part of the network’s evolution and the launch of new channels and digital platforms, which have been significant milestones.”
SPNI MD & CEO NP Singh shared, “Ashok’s contributions have been fundamental to our success. His legal expertise and strategic vision have guided SPNI through many challenges and opportunities. Ashok’s leadership in major acquisitions and his skill in navigating complex legal issues have set a high standard for our legal and regulatory practices. His involvement in initiatives like the joint venture with BBC Earth and the expansion of SonyLIV has been crucial. We extend our best wishes to Ashok for a fulfilling retirement.”
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.
