BBCS seeks new head of NHU as Jonny Keeling set to become creative director

BBC Studios (BBCS) is seeking a new head of its Natural History Unit (NHU) before incumbent Jonny Keeling moves into the role of creative director in early 2027.

Jonny Keeling

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.

BBCS said it will begin the recruitment process for a new head immediately, with Keeling continuing in post until the transition takes place in 2027.

Keeling has spent the past five years atop the renowned Bristol-based natural history production unit.

BBCS said Keeling will remain “at the heart of the unit” and 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, who has worked on titles such as The Americas, Prehistoric Planet, Lion, Planet Earth III, Kingdom and Green Planet I & II.

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.

Since becoming its 14th head in 2021, Keeling’s tenure has seen the NHU deliver productions for the BBC, Disney+, National Geographic, NBCUniversal and Apple TV.

These include 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 and Making Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure.

It also partnered with BBCS Entertainment on the recent David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth live birthday concert from London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Its pipeline of productions includes Blue Planet III, Hidden Planet, and Green Planet II for the BBC, plus Lion and the multi-series Home for National Geographic.

Kate Ward, BBCS’s MD of 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: “It’s been an honour to lead the NHU for five 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.”