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Ten Network CEO & chairman Hamish McLennan steps down; Paul Anderson named CEO
MUMBAI: Ten Network CEO and chairman Hamish McLennan has stepped down from his post. The move comes in the wake of Ten selling a 15 per cent stake to Australian pay-TV network Foxtel, which is a 50/50 joint venture between Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp and Telstra.
Ten reportedly raised raise approximately Aus $154 million through the share offering, with Foxtel buying in Aus $77 million of the new equity. In return, it was decided that Ten’s board would be shrunk to six members, with Foxtel bagging one seat.
With McLennan stepping down from both the roles, Ten chief operating officer and chief financial officer Paul Anderson has been appointed as CEO with effect from 27 July, 2015.
Ten Network non-executive director David Gordon has been appointed chairman. Gordon has been a director of Ten since April 2010 and, as a member of the Independent Board Committee, has been closely involved with the strategic transactions announced on 15 June.
Gordon said, “The Board thanks Hamish for his contribution during what has been a challenging period in Ten’s history. He has led a strong and talented management team to effect a turnaround in the company’s performance. Hamish will work with myself and Paul Anderson on a seamless transition and he will continue to advise and assist the company until the end of the year. Ten is in an important and exciting phase, as we continue to build our revenue on the back of strong audience growth since mid-2014 and transition our sales activities to Multi Channel Network; and maintain our clear focus on growth and efficiencies.”
McLennan added, “The strategic arrangements announced on 15 June, including the proposed investment by Foxtel in Ten and the transformative agreement with MCN, mean that my role is complete.”
Anderson said, “I’m extremely honored to be offered this opportunity by the Board and I look forward to continuing to work with the very talented team at TEN to build on the improvements we have seen over the past year or so and execute our strategy, which remains unchanged. At the same time, the transition to MCN is progressing smoothly and has been very well received by the market.”
The strategic arrangements included the appointment of Multi Channel Network as sales representative of Ten’s television and digital advertising inventory. Ten will undertake a selection process for a new chief financial officer.
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.
