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Viacom announces leadership transition at Paramount Pictures, CEO Brad Grey to step down
MUMBAI: Viacom Inc. has announced that Brad Grey will step down from his role as chairman and chief executive officer of Paramount Pictures. The company is commencing a comprehensive search to identify a successor, and Grey will remain at Paramount for a period to support the transition.
Viacom president and CEO Bob Bakish, who would be present at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in San Francisco, on 1 March, will work closely with Paramount’s leadership team, including Marc Evans (President, Motion Picture Group); Andrew Gumpert (Chief Operating Officer); Amy Powell (President, Paramount Television and Digital Entertainment); Megan Colligan (President, Worldwide Distribution and Marketing) and Mark Badagliacca (Chief Financial Officer), to maintain momentum until a new CEO is appointed.
“Brad has overseen the production and distribution of some of Paramount’s most celebrated hits, and more recently championed the successful relaunch of the studio’s television division. We are grateful for his 12 years of extraordinary service and wish him every continued success,” said Bob Bakish. “Paramount has produced some of the most recognizable and cherished films in Hollywood, making it a key part of Viacom’s history, and our future. As we look ahead, I couldn’t be more excited by our early plans to re-energize the slate, more deeply integrate the studio and networks, and make the most of our incredible assets.”
“It has been my privilege to be a part of Paramount’s storied history, and I am grateful to Sumner Redstone for giving me this opportunity. I want to wish Shari, Bob and their entire team the best as they embark on Viacom’s next chapter,” said Brad Grey. “From the moment I came to Paramount in 2005, I saw myself as a steward of an iconic institution. In that time, it has been my great honor to work with a group of wildly talented storytellers. But above all, I am indebted to the wonderful people at this studio, whose creativity, professionalism and integrity are second to none.”
US$1.3 bn subordinated debt offering
Viacom announced that it has agreed to sell US$ 650 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875 per cent fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due 2057 at a price equal to 100.000 per cent of the principal amount thereof (the “NC5 Debentures”) and US$ 650 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.250 per cent fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due 2057 at a price equal to 100.000 per cent of the principal amount thereof (the “NC10 Debentures” and, together with the NC5 Debentures, the “Debentures”).
The sale of the Debentures is expected to close on 28 February, 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. Viacom intends to use the net proceeds from the offering primarily for the repayment of outstanding indebtedness.
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.
