Nat Geo Taps New Commissioning Editor

National Geographic has appointed Bernadette McDaid as the network’s commissioning editor, based in London.

In her new position, McDaid will develop and oversee programming for the National Geographic Channels and collaborate with U.K. and international production companies to find major premium series and events for the network in the U.S. and around the globe. She will work under Hamish Mykura, the executive VP of programming and development.

McDaid is a filmmaker who has served as a network executive in the U.S. and U.K. She most recently was head of current production at Discovery’s Science Channel. Earlier in her career, she worked in production and development at the BBC, Darlow Smithson and Lion TV.

Mykura said: “Bernadette has a superb depth of knowledge of factual TV, long experience with U.S. and U.K. channels and an unstoppable enthusiasm for making great programs, and she’ll be a huge asset to the team.”

Tim Pastore, National Geographic’s president of original programming and production, noted: “Bernadette is an experienced and highly creative executive who will be a great part of the team bringing in the big and groundbreaking premium series that are redefining National Geographic.”

In other news, Francesca Johnson was elevated to director of development and production at National Geographic. She will continue to report to Mykura, who commented: “This promotion establishes Francesca as a key part of the development team here in London, and she’ll bring strategic thinking and huge energy to the role.”