BBC Studios Entertainment appoints Fernando de Jesus to lead new development label

BBC Studios Entertainment appoints Fernando de Jesus to lead new development label

BBC Studios Entertainment has appointed Fernando de Jesus to launch a new development label focused on creating distinctive, globally scalable unscripted entertainment formats and premium factual entertainment for broadcasters, streamers and digital platforms.

Sitting within the Development division headed by Karl Warner (EVP, BBC Studios Entertainment and Digital Development) , the label will build a broad range of series and formats across entertainment, factual entertainment, game, and competition. Production will be led by BBC Studios Entertainment, the award-winning production heavyweight who produce over 1000 hours of award-winning entertainment programming, including Strictly Come Dancing, Dragons Den and The Weakest Link from offices across the UK. Distribution of all IP will be via BBC Studios.

With over a decade of experience developing unscripted series, premium doc formats, and global franchises, de Jesus brings extensive experience and a proven track record, having secured commissions totalling more than 175 hours of content for networks and streamers including Netflix, FOX, Disney+, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Nat Geo, Tubi and RTE.

Most recently Creative Director at Rare TV, de Jesus led creative strategy across unscripted docs and formats for global audiences. His team originated new projects for Disney+, BBC, Channel 4 and RTE, including Trace, Track Get My Car Back (BBC), Futureville (RTE) and forthcoming series’ for Channel 4 and Disney+.

Prior to Rare, de Jesus served as Creative Director at Studio Ramsay Global, working across the UK, US and Europe. There, he expanded the company beyond its food and linear-TV heritage, developing new formats across game, branded, digital, scripted and animated content. De Jesus also oversaw the company’s first diversity traineeship programme, supporting emerging talent in both scripted and unscripted.

Fernando de Jesus says: “I’m genuinely buzzing to join Karl, Suzy, and all the brilliant minds at BBC Studios Entertainment. With the support of this world-class global content studio behind us, I’m excited to lead the new label and create the next wave of ambitious entertainment formats and premium mischief – all with real heart, big humour and plenty of style.

Karl Warner, Executive Vice President of BBC Studios Entertainment and Digital Development and Suzy Lamb, Managing Director, BBC Studios Entertainment Productions say: “Fernando’s range — from global formats to innovative digital first content — makes him uniquely placed to build a fresh label with major creative firepower. No idea will be too big or too ambitious for our award-winning production teams – we can’t wait for him to get started.”

De Jesus starts his role in January 2026.

ENDS