BBC Studios Names New Head of NHU

BBC Studios Productions has named Jonny Keeling as the next head of the Natural History Unit (NHU).

Keeling has served as a producer, series producer and executive producer on some of the NHU’s most successful landmark series, including Planet Earth, Planet Earth II and Seven Worlds, One Planet. He is the former head of NHU Children’s, having executive produced Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures and Deadly Pole to Pole.

Keeling takes over from outgoing head Julian Hector, who leaves after five years in the role, during which time the Bristol-based production house produced such shows as Blue Planet II, Dynasties and the forthcoming The Green Planet.

Reporting to Tom McDonald, BBC Studios’ managing director of factual, Keeling will further develop the NHU’s presence in North America via NHU LA and will play a leading role in the NHU’s move to its new Bristol premises. Keeling is currently series producer on Planet Earth III and will assume his new role in December of this year when Hector departs.

McDonald said: “Jonny is one of the best blue-chip natural-history executives in the industry—and has a depth of experience not just in landmark programming but in a huge variety of tones and forms. As well as being passionate about the quality of the NHU’s programming, he’s a brilliant leader, ambitious and inspiring, and I cannot wait to work with him to continue the NHU’s incredible growth.”

Keeling commented: “I feel honored to be taking on the role of head of the Natural History Unit. The unit plays an increasingly urgent and vital role in telling impactful stories from the natural world during a time in which our planet faces unprecedented challenges. My ambition is simple—to produce high-quality content that’s original, ambitious and compelling and to ensure that the NHU remains the most respected maker of wildlife programming in the world.”