BBC Studios is seeking a new head for its world-famous Natural History Unit (NHU), maker of Planet Earth III and The Americas, with Jonny Keeling segueing to Creative Director.
BBC Studios will begin the recruitment process immediately, with Keeling continuing in post until the transition takes place in 2027.
Keeling has been running the studio since 2021 and will remain with BBC Studios, focusing on programme-making, creative leadership and some NHU projects. His past five years have seen the NHU make shows for the BBC, streamers and U.S. networks including Frozen Planet II, Planet Earth III, Asia, Mammals, Kingdom, Dynasties II and The Americas with Tom Hanks.
His new role will see him work closely with Mike Gunton, the veteran NHU Creative Director, who has an enviable list of natural history credits. He will 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.
Upcoming, the NHU has Blue Planet III, Hidden Planet, Green Planet II and Lion.
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.”
Keeling added that he is “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.”
