Nat Geo hires international commissioner from Fox

National Geographic Channels International has recruited Mark Francis to commission original factual content for its channels around the world from its London content hub.

Francis will be vice president, global acquisitions, at NGCI.

He joins from Fox International Channels Asia-Pacific and Middle East where, as VP, production and development for factual and unscripted, commissioning for Nat Geo and Star World in Asia. Both NGCI and FIC are part of 21^st Century Fox.

Francis will report to Hamish Mykura (pictured), executive VP and head of International Content, NGCI.

“Mark has been highly adept at building successful series in Asia, and will help our global team develop strong shows across the world,” Mykura said. “He will also ensure that NGCI’s output becomes ever more focused on the needs of our regional businesses and audiences.”

NGCI has also upped Maggie Rhodes to VP, global acquisitions and coproductions, based in London. She has been with NGCI since 2005, overseeing Nat Geo’s global acquisitions team.