BBC Studios Natural History Unit announces leadership evolution as Jonny Keeling moves to Creative Director role

BBC Studios Natural History Unit today announced that Jonny Keeling will move into the newly focused role of Creative Director in early 2027, following five successful years leading the world’s most renowned natural history production unit.

In his new role, Keeling will focus on programme-making, creative leadership and the delivery of some of the NHU’s most ambitious projects for partners including the BBC, PBS and National Geographic. Remaining at the heart of the Unit, he will continue to help shape its creative future while supporting the next generation of filmmaking talent.

As Creative Director, Keeling will collaborate with fellow Creative Director Mike Gunton (The Americas, Prehistoric Planet, Lion, Planet Earth III, Green Planet I & II, Kingdom) and remain part of the NHU’s senior leadership team, alongside Sreya Biswas, Director of Programmes, Juli Porter, Director of Commercial and Operations and Maria Norman, Head of Production.

Since becoming its fourteenth Head in 2021, Keeling’s tenure has seen the NHU deliver a period of significant creative and commercial success, with a wide range of award-winning and critically acclaimed productions for multiple clients (BBC, Disney+, National Geographic, NBCU and Apple TV), including Frozen Planet II, Planet Earth III, Asia, Mammals, Kingdom, Dynasties II, The Americas, The Secret Lives of Animals, Prehistoric Planet, Big Cats 24/7, Tiger Island, Ocean Xplorers, Andy’s Dino Island, Deadly, Springwatch, Making Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure and - partnering with BBC Studios Entertainment - the recent David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth live birthday concert from London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The Bristol-based NHU continues to enjoy a strong pipeline of landmark productions, with upcoming titles including Blue Planet III, Hidden Planet, and Green Planet II for the BBC, and 'LION’ and the multi-series global epic ‘HOME' for National Geographic.

Under Keeling’s leadership the Unit has strengthened its commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable wildlife filmmaking industry through Project Songbird, an initiative he devised and launched in 2022. The program has supported the development of 47 in-country filmmakers, on 17 productions, across 27 countries, spanning Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Songbird has also expanded local-language screenings in Africa, Asia and Central America and, in partnership with Wildscreen, established an annual African wildlife film festival.

BBC Studios will begin the recruitment process immediately, with Keeling continuing in post until the transition takes place in 2027.

Kate Ward, BBC Studios’ MD Unscripted, Global Content, said: "I would like to thank Jonny for his impact and enormous contribution as Head of The Natural History Unit over the past five years. I’m delighted that in stepping into this new role we will have one of the leading creative talents in the genre return to full time programme making, and in doing so continue to cement the NHU’s reputation and impact for clients and audiences globally."

Jonny Keeling, Head of the NHU, BBC Studios, added: "It’s been an honour to lead the NHU for 5 years - I’ve loved working with the passionate and creative teams in the Unit. Now I’m excited to take up this new opportunity to focus on mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, ensuring we continue to win new commissions and delivering the most ambitious and compelling wildlife stories to inspire and delight millions around the planet."

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BBC Studios is the main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd and generated revenues of £2.1 billion in the last year and profits of over £200 million for a fifth consecutive year. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the content studio, which produces, invests and distributes TV and audio globally and media & streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including UKTV, BBC.com and BritBox and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made almost 3,500 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide range of UK and global broadcasters and platforms. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.