BBC Studios moves Natural History Unit chief into creative director role

BBC Studios has begun searching for a new chief executive to lead its Natural History Unit as longtime executive Jonny Keeling prepares to move into a creative director position.

Keeling will remain with the Bristol, England-based production operation and continue as a member of its senior leadership team, according to Deadline, which first reported the changes Tuesday, July 28, 2026. His new role will place greater emphasis on developing programming and overseeing the unit’s creative output.

The incoming chief executive will assume broader responsibility for the Natural History Unit’s business, operational and production strategy. Keeling’s transition separates those corporate duties from his work developing wildlife programming for broadcasters and streaming platforms, according to the report.

Keeling will work closely with Mike Gunton, the unit’s veteran creative director and executive producer whose credits include “Planet Earth II,” “Dynasties,” “The Green Planet” and “The Americas.” BBC Studios’ current leadership page continues to list Gunton as creative director and Keeling as head of the unit.

Keeling will also remain part of a leadership group that includes Director of Programs Sreya Biswas and Director of Commercial and Operations Juli Porter. Biswas oversees commissioned titles, development and digital programming, while Porter works across the unit’s commercial, production and operational functions.

BBC Studios appointed Keeling to lead the Natural History Unit in 2021, succeeding Julian Hector. He formally took over the operation in early 2022 with responsibility for its creative and commercial activity, including expanding relationships with customers outside the BBC.

Keeling joined the BBC Natural History Unit in 1996 and has worked as a producer, director, series producer and executive producer. His credits include “Planet Earth,” “Planet Earth II,” “Planet Earth III,” “Seven Worlds, One Planet,” “The Life of Mammals” and several wildlife expedition series. He previously led the unit’s children’s operation for seven years.

The Natural History Unit produces programming for the BBC and outside buyers, including Apple TV, National Geographic, NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery. Its recent and current portfolio includes “Planet Earth III,” “Asia,” “Blue Planet III,” “Prehistoric Planet,” “OceanXplorers,” “Kingdom” and “The Americas.”

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