GECs
VeriSign elects Star’s Guthrie to board of directors
MUMBAI: VeriSign, Inc., a provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the internet and telecommunications networks, has appointed Star Group CEO Michelle Guthrie to its board of directors.
With over a decade of experience in the pay television industry, Guthrie brings to VeriSign her wide-ranging knowledge of media, technology, law and business development.
VeriSign CEO and chairman Stratton Sclavos said, “Consumer demand for real-time information and entertainment over mobile and broadband networks is increasing exponentially on a global basis. Michelle’s track record in building successful content and distribution relationships in both Europe and Asia will be an invaluable asset in VeriSign’s long range strategy to build and operate the world’s premier digital content utility.”
“As personalisation and consumption of communications increase the demand for intelligent infrastructure services, VeriSign’s role is enhanced. VeriSign sits in such a unique position in so many markets fundamental to digital communications, content and commerce. I look forward to adding my voice to the VeriSign Board and continuing the corporation’s exciting journey,” said Guthrie.
Guthrie joined Star in June 2000. She was appointed senior vice president, business development in January 2001 and was promoted to executive vice president for regional distribution and business development in June 2003, in charge of the operations of markets across the South East Asian region, as well as identifying growth opportunities and cementing new partnerships for the company. Guthrie was appointed CEO of Star in November 2003.
She has 10 years of experience in the pay television industry, notably at FoxTel in Australia and BSkyB in the UK. Before joining News Corporation in 1994, Guthrie was a lawyer at Allen, Allen & Hemsley in Sydney and Singapore, where she focused on the media and technology sector. In addition, she is a member of the board of directors of joint venture companies Phoenix Satellite Television and China Network Systems.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
