BBC Studios appoints Sreya Biswas as head of Natural History Unit

Sreya Biswas has been promoted to head of the Natural History Unit (NHU) at BBC Studios (BBCS) in the UK, succeeding Jonny Keeling ahead of his shift to creative director.

Sreya Biswas

Biswas was previously the NHU’s director of programmes. She will now lead on editorial, commercial and strategic direction, reporting to Kate Ward, MD of unscripted at BBCS.

She will work alongside creative directors Mike Gunton and Keeling, who has spent the past five years atop the renowned Bristol-based natural history production unit.

BBCS revealed in July that Keeling would move to the role of creative director at the NHU in early 2027.

Since joining BBCS in the summer of 2025, Biswas has overseen titles such as the BBC visualised nature podcast Naturewatch, feature documentary Matriarch and landmark series Blue Planet III.

Before that, she was head of commissioning for natural history at the BBC, where she shepherded Planet Earth III, Asia, Kingdom and Blue Planet III. She also commissioned wildlife shows including Big Cats 24/7, Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles, Spy in the Troop and An Hour on Earth.

Biswas is a Grierson trustee and a film grant mentor for the Save Our Seas Foundation, and sits on the Wildscreen Bristol and Tanzania festival advisory boards.

Ward said: “Sreya marries her extraordinary creative reputation and deep passion for the people and programmes of the NHU, with a razor-sharp future-facing vision that will look to deepen and strength how audiences can connect to the stories of the natural world.

“We are delighted to welcome her to this pivotal role and look forward to continued success for the NHU under her inspiring leadership.”

Biswas added: “I feel hugely privileged to be stepping into this role, working alongside Mike Gunton and Jonny Keeling and leading the NHU’s remarkable teams.

“As the NHU approaches its 70th year, we can look to the future with confidence and ambition, building on our unique reputation for innovation, integrity and unforgettable storytelling.

“I could not be prouder to help shape the future of this incredible unit and advance our mission to make people love and protect the natural world, at a time when this mission matters more than ever.”