BBC Studios Documentary Unit Names New Head of Development

BBC Studios Factual Productions has confirmed the appointment of Naomi Benson as head of development for The Documentary Unit.

In her new role, Benson will be tasked with providing editorial direction, stimulating creativity and ensuring the team generates ideas and new IP to suit a variety of clients and platforms. She will focus on growth into new territories and with new buyers.

Benson, who will join BBC Studios this month, will report to Cate Hall, The Documentary Unit’s creative director of development.

Previously, Benson served as a development executive at Twenty Twenty, where she began overseeing the development team in early 2020. Prior to Twenty Twenty, Benson worked at Voltage, DSP and Lion.

Hall said: “Naomi is an outstanding creative, responsible for a huge breadth of clever, successful and returnable program ideas. I am thrilled that she is joining the creative team at BBC Studios.”

Benson added: “I’m delighted to be joining the amazing team at The Documentary Unit. This is an extraordinary time to be a factual producer, and the unparalleled global reach and reputation of BBC Studios present an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to get in there and get going.”