BBC Studios Names Sreya Biswas As Head Of ‘Planet Earth III’ Maker Natural History Unit

BBC Studios (BBCS) has named Sreya Biswas as Head of its Natural History Unit (NHU), maker of Planet Earth III and Blue Planet III.

Biswas will take over from Jonny Keeling early next year, taking on the lead for the editorial, commercial and strategic direction for the NHU.

Keeling is remaining with BBCS, but moving into a Creative Director post at the NHU, and Biswas will work alongside him and the unit’s other creative chief, Mike Gunton. The plan will first unveiled in July, when Keeling’s new role was announced alongside a search for a new chief, who will take on a CEO-style position.

Reporting to Kate Ward, who is Managing Director of Unscripted at BBCS, Biswas will lead the NHU’s teams based in Bristol.

Former BBC commissioner Biswas joined BBCS in the summer of last year as the NHU’s Director of Programmes, where she oversaw commissioned titles and development of portfolio of programmes for global buyers, including the first BBC visualised nature podcast, Naturewatch, feature documentary Matriarch, and Blue Planet III.

Previously she was Head of Commissioning for Natural History at the BBC where she oversaw landmark NHU series including Planet Earth III, Asia, Kingdom and Blue Planet III, and commissioned the like sof Big Cats 24/7, Hamza’s Hidden Wild Isles, Spy in the Troop and An Hour on Earth. Biswas also oversaw feature documentaries such as Silverback, Orphan and environmental thriller On Thin Ice: Putin v Greenpeace.

“Sreya marries her extraordinary creative reputation and deep passion for the people and programmes of the NHU, with a razor-sharp future facing vision that will look to deepen and strength how audiences can connect to the stories of the natural world,” said Ward.

“I feel hugely privileged to be stepping into this role, working alongside Mike Gunton and Jonny Keeling and leading the NHU’s remarkable teams,” added Biswas. “As the Unit approaches its 70th year, we can look to the future with confidence and ambition, building on our unique reputation for innovation, integrity and unforgettable storytelling. I could not be prouder to help shape the future of this incredible Unit and advance our mission to make people love and protect the natural world, at a time when this mission matters more than ever.”