Hamish Mykura joins Nat Geo as restructuring continues

Hamish Mykura has joined National Geographic Channels as executive VP and head of international content.

The ex-Channel 4 head of documentaries’ appointment is part of an ongoing shake-up at National Geographic’s TV operations and TBIvision understand that a reorganisation of the UK division will be officially announced next week with some staff leaving the company.

The changes follow the appointment of David Lyle as CEO of Nat Geo Channels US in August and several management moves at the channels division of Nat Geo shareholder Fox. One source tells TBIvision that management has demanded a doubling of audience figures at National Geographic channels within a short space of time.

Fox-backed National Geographic Channels International acquired the National Geographic Society-owned programme sales unit, National Geographic Television International, in September. Several of the former NGTI staff are expected to lose their jobs as NGTI is absorbed into NGCI.

National Geographic’s US representative did not respond to requests for information about Mykura’s new role earlier this week and its UK spokesperson denied any knowledge of Mykura joining the company ahead of the official announcement late yesterday.

In the new role, Mykura will oversee all editorial development and production for Nat Geo Channels International and will also be the London head of development for the National Geographic Channel and bring in ideas from UK producers to Nat Geo.

His appointment follows that of another key content executive, Sidney Suissa, last September. He rejoined the company as executive VP, content, with responsibility for developing regional content.