Pioneer Taps Arrow Media Alum as Creative Director

LONDON: Pioneer Productions has appointed Thomas Viner, formerly of Arrow Media, as its new creative director.

In this role, Viner will build on Pioneer Productions’s success in creating specialist factual content for both U.K. and international broadcasters. He will work closely with CEO Jonathan Hewes, as well as with the company’s head of development, Karen Willis, and executive producer Stephen Marsh. Viner will report to Hewes. The company’s slate features series such as How the Universe Works and World’s Weirdest Weather, blue-chip shows like Treasures of the Earth, adventure programming such as David Baddiel on the Silk Road, and one-off specials like Bloody Queens: Elizabeth and Mary.

Viner joins Pioneer from Arrow Media, where he was executive producer. At Arrow Media, he produced more than 75 hours of programming across such categories as science, history, current affairs and factual entertainment.

Hewes commented: “We are delighted to welcome Thomas on board. He is one of the smartest young talents around, with a great track record in the specialist factual and international arena that Pioneer is renowned for. His expertise and skills will help us take Pioneer to the next exciting stage in its development.”

Viner added: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining Pioneer. There are more opportunities than ever for specialist factual, for new ideas, and new twists on classic subjects and genres. Pioneer has an unrivaled reputation across the world, and I’m really looking forward to working with a great team to make thrilling programs, tell fascinating stories, and go on building the Pioneer name.”