Banijay Exec to Board BBC Studios Factual

Nischal Randev has been appointed head of growth and business development for BBC Studios Factual Productions.

In the newly created role, Randev will develop and implement strategic plans to broaden revenue streams for BBC Studios Factual by accessing new routes to market for content production, exploring new funding models, driving audience engagement through multiple commercial avenues and expanding the portfolio through strategic partnerships and the growth of new production labels.

Randev will also partner with other parts of BBC Studios to create and drive opportunities for factual IP and factual production units and labels, including partnership with StoryWorks and the BBC Studios brands and licensing divisions.

The new role is set to begin on October 1.

Currently head of corporate development for the U.K. at Banijay, Randev assisted on the creation of the Banijay UK Growth Fund and worked on minority investments including Conker Pictures, Esmerelda Productions and Rabbit Track Pictures.

Randev said, “I am so pleased to be joining BBC Studios Factual, with its rich history in creating some of the most famous natural history and factual programming. I’m excited to join the amazing team to help continue to grow and drive innovation across the business.”

Kate Ward, managing director of BBC Studios Factual Productions, added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Nischal to Factual at BBC Studios. As we look to deliver on our ambitious growth plans and exploring new production and commercial opportunities, innovation and strategic partnerships will be critical. Factual storytelling is uniquely well-placed to explore opportunities for new types of production from live and immersive experiences, to VR, to new funding partnerships, allowing audiences to explore the world and understand it in ways that are as impactful as they are spectacular. Nishcal’s deep experience of the U.K. production sector, combined with his experience in gaming, digital and commercial partnerships, will supercharge our effectiveness as we look to deliver continued growth for BBC Studios.”