Pioneer Productions’ MD to Exit Role

LONDON: After joining the company 23 years ago, Kirstie McLure is stepping down as managing director of Pioneer Productions to explore other projects.

McLure took on the MD role in 2011. Her credits include long-running series such as How the Universe Works for Discovery Science U.S. and World’s Weirdest Weather for Channel 4; blue-chip science shows In the Womb for National Geographic Channel and Channel 4 and Journey to the Edge of the Universe for National Geographic Channel, Discovery Canada and France 5; and adventure programming such as David Baddiel on the Silk Road for Discovery U.K. and PaddleSUP: Mission Amazon for Red Bull Media House.

“In my time at Pioneer, I’ve seen the company transform into a leading factual powerhouse and I’ve been proud to be part of that journey. It’s been an environment where I’ve been able to innovate and create never made before TV,” said McLure. “There are very few places where one can take risks and push the boundaries in factual content in such a groundbreaking way—whether that’s producing 4K content, launching SVOD channels, undertaking fast turnaround content or facilitating new international collaborations. Enabling Pioneer to become a truly international scientific and factual production company and bring complex concepts to life, in a way that appeals to everyone all over the world, has been very rewarding. Whilst I’m hugely excited about my next step, it will be very hard indeed to say goodbye when the time comes.”

Arwel Rees, CEO of Tinopolis Group, added, “After 23 years at Pioneer, we are proud of everything that Kirstie has achieved. She has been such an asset to the company. We will be sad to see her go, but would like to thank her for her contribution to the group and wish her all the best for the future.”