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Steve Askew COO, John Lau CFO & EVP, business development at Star Asia
MUMBAI: Ever since his promotion in early October, Steve Askew has been functioning as chief operating officer (COO) of Star Group Ltd, in all but name.
Steve Askew
Star made it official today when it announced the promotions of Askew to COO and John Lau to chief financial officer (CFO) and executive vice-president, business development. Both report to chief executive Michelle Guthrie.
It was in early October that Askew was promoted to executive vice-president, television operations at Star and president, Star Entertainment. With that promotion, Askew was not only spearheading Star’s programming in India, China and Taiwan, he was also in charge of the broadcast operations and engineering division of Star and the company’s Taiwan operations.
In his new position, Askew continues to spearhead Stars programming, oversee the companys broadcast operations and engineering division and the Star Taiwan operation. In addition, he is also responsible for distribution businesses in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Philippines and Thailand
John Lau
The expanded position of John Lau gives him the responsibility for heading the business development division of the company in addition to overseeing all financial matters.
Announcing the appointments, Guthrie was quoted in a company release as saying, Steve and John are extremely capable, experienced and uniquely qualified to the new positions. They are going to play a much more vital role as the company moves to the next stage of growth and development.
Askew has nearly 20 years of broadcasting experience in Asia and Australia, of which nine years have been with Star.
John Lau was previously CFO of Star. He has 15 years of experience and joined Star in 1998 as senior V-P, finance.
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.
