People
Ford models supermodel of the world: Bangalore girl Shubra Aiyappa conquers the Indian leg
Mumbai, November 28, 2005: In a glittering ceremony at the InterContinental, Mumbai – Shubra Aiyappa from Bangalore was chosen as the winner for the Indian Round of the Ford Model Supermodel of the World Contest 2005, presented by ZOOM. Mumbai girl Afsha Khan was the first runner up, while Shrestha Paul from Kolkatta was selected as the second runner up.
Shubra will fly to New York in January 2006, and compete with girls from 45 other countries, for the hugely respected title of the Ford Supermodel of the World. Other than the prestigious title Shubra will also be competing for a cash prize of $ 250,000 and a modeling contract with the prestigious Ford Models.
Some of experts on the jury were Fashion czars, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Actor/Dancer Isha Sharvani, Iris Miner, Director, Ford- New York and Pooja Batra amongst others. All the thirteen finalists have been going through rigorous training for the last 1 month, with specialists like – Sheetal Malhar, Achala Sachdeva, Marvie Beck, Avan Contractor, Nandita Mahtani, Gavin Miguel and Sanjeev Mulchandani.You can watch all the excitement of the contest at 7:00 pm on Zoom, on Saturday 4th December.
Iris Minier, Director of Ford agency is in India and will be on the jury for the final contest. Speaking on the occasion Ms. Minier said, “I am delighted to be in India and be involved in selecting the Indian representative for the Ford Models Supermodel of the World. I believe Indian girls, apart from being beautiful, are confident and intelligent.”
Ford models has always been ahead of its time and launched their first international model search in 1980. Their 90’s search evolved into “Supermodel of the World”. The Ford Models Supermodel of the World Contest is currently spread across over 50 countries, making it one of the most respected model hunts in the world. The top award for the contest is a cash prize of $ 250,000 and a modeling contract with Ford Models.
Founder Ellen Ford, a living legend in the fashion industry and her daughter Katie Ford take personal interest in every minute detail of the contest. This is one of the key reasons that the Ford Models Supermodel of the World continues to be one of the most respected contests on International platform.
The models found in the Supermodel of the World search have graced the covers of the most prominent magazines and appeared in a good number of hi – profile campaigns. Ford has launched some of the most glamorous faces in the world, many of whom have become successful Hollywood stars and illustrious models. Sharon Stone, Christy Turlington, Kim Basinger, Melaine Griffith, Brooke Shields, Rahel Hunter, Jerry Hall and her daughter Elizabeth Jagger are a few famous faces launched by The Ford Agency.
InterContinental The Grand Mumbai hospitality partner for the prestigious Ford Models Supermodel of the World, exudes of Asia’s largest Atrium Lobby reflecting sheer luxury and opulence. Comprising of 369 guestrooms, 21 luxurious apartments all are an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary furnishing. With 5 Food & Beverage outlets, Sutra – the Night Club, Rejuve – SPA, SNIP – the unique salon, Box Office – the Preview Theatre and state of art Banquet & Conference facilities, just add to a truly stylish & magnificent experience.
For further details please contact:
Pooja Parekh/ Zahra Hooda
Good Relations (I) Pvt. Ltd.
Tel: 23535971-77
People
BBC appoints Matt Brittin as 18th Director-General
Former Google EMEA president to lead broadcaster from May amid global change
LONDON: The BBC has named Matt Brittin as its 18th Director-General, placing a seasoned technology and media leader at the helm of one of the world’s most influential public broadcasters. He will formally assume the role on 18 May.
Brittin steps into the position after a brief “gap year”, as he described it, returning to the spotlight with a job that, in his own words, was “probably not one either you or I were expecting”. The appointment signals a strategic tilt towards digital expertise at a time when traditional broadcasting continues to evolve at pace.
The new Director-General brings more than 18 years of experience from Google, where he held several senior roles, including President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. During his tenure, he played a central role in expanding the company’s footprint across Europe and shaping its regional strategy.
More recently, Brittin served as Senior Independent Director at The Guardian, adding boardroom insight from one of Britain’s leading news organisations. His career also spans roles at McKinsey, Trinity Mirror and Sainsbury’s, giving him a broad perspective across media, retail and strategy.
The Director-General position carries dual responsibility as chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, overseeing the BBC’s creative, editorial and operational direction both in the UK and globally. It is a role that demands not just leadership, but a steady editorial compass in an increasingly complex media landscape.
“Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world,” Brittin said. He added that the broadcaster remains “an extraordinary, uniquely British asset” with a legacy of innovation in storytelling and technology.
His appointment comes at a moment when public service broadcasters are under pressure to balance tradition with transformation, navigating shifting audience habits, digital disruption and funding debates. Brittin’s blend of Silicon Valley scale and British media sensibility may prove timely.
With “big challenges and big opportunities” ahead, Brittin appears ready to get started. The real test begins in May, when he moves from anticipation to action at Broadcasting House.
