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Studio Canal’s Neylon joins FremantleMedia as EVP
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International has appointed Katrina Neylon as the executive vice president – global content.
Neylon will manage the existing global content team and oversee the acquisition strategy for all scripted and non-scripted programming for FremantleMedia International (FMI) with the aim of generating strong commercial returns for all partners.
Working creatively with a mix of third party and in-house producers to invest, develop and acquire content, Neylon and the team will continue to source top-quality programming from around the world to build and complement FMI’s current pipeline. Joining the company next month, Neylon will report to the FMI CEO Jens Richter.
Richter said, “With a standout reputation, in-depth industry knowledge, as well as fantastic producer relationships, Katrina is the ideal executive to lead our global content team. Katrina’s extensive experience of complex deal-making and commercial acumen will be key to continuing our business growth strategy.”
On her appointment, Neylon said, “FremantleMedia International has an established reputation for high-end quality content and I look forward to working with the team to build upon their ambitious plans of working with the best producer and writer talent in the business.”
Neylon joins FremantleMedia from Studio Canal where she held the position of EVP of international sales and marketing, and oversaw the global sales strategy for Studio Canal’s extensive TV production slate and drove global and multi-territory deals. Prior to her position at Studio Canal, Neylon was the SVP of sales, EMEA, at Shine International where she managed the EMEA sales team. Neylon has also held sales and management roles at Disney ABC International Television and Twentieth Century Fox International Television.
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.
