Andrew Jackson, Managing Director of Tigress Productions, was this week announced as the new head of the BBC’s Natural History Unit.

Andrew has produced or directed over 100 hours of programming during his 17 years at independent film company Tigress, including the ITV and PBS specials In The Wild. He began his TV career in BBC news and current affairs before joining the NHU in 1986.

Andrew said: “It has been an incredibly tough decision to leave a company that I’ve helped build over the past 17 years but opportunities like this come along so rarely. It’s a huge, exciting job and I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

The news came on the same week as Tigress announced a new partnership with Darlow Smithson Productions (DSP), an IMG Media company. This sees John Smithson, DSP’s Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Director, taking responsibility for the creative output of both companies.

The two companies, which are both owned by IMG Media, will remain separate but will work together to expand Tigress’ slate of natural history and adventure programming.

John Smithson, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Director of DSP, says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both Darlow Smithson and Tigress. Both companies have established reputations in their individual fields and will complement each other beautifully. Tigress has a distinguished track record for producing outstanding natural history and adventure programming and is a natural partner for Darlow Smithson.

“The combined knowledge and experience of both companies will make us a force to be reckoned with in the factual arena and I am confident the move will help both Indies continue to grow over the next few years.”

Tigress is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading independent producers of natural history and adventure programming. Recent productions include Monty Halls’ Great Escape for BBC Two; the ongoing strand Nature Shock for Channel Five; and Around the World in Eighty Trades for Channel 4, plus more than 60 items this year for The One Show on BBC One. This new creative partnership, which coincides with the announced departure of former Tigress MD Andrew Jackson to head up the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, is designed to further fuel Tigress’s growth as a major player on the international stage.

John Smithson adds: “Tigress has become one of the most distinctive companies in the industry thanks to Andrew Jackson’s passion and experience. While we are sad to lose Andrew, this is a great opportunity for him and we look forward to working with him in the future in his new role.

“I’m excited by the prospect of working with the extremely talented team at Tigress to build the company into an even more dominant name in the UK and international markets.”

Andrew Jackson, Managing Director of Tigress, comments: “I am enormously proud to have worked with so many talented individuals at Tigress, and together we have built a highly respected and successful company. In the creative hands of John Smithson and his team, I know the business will continue to flourish.”

Programmes currently in production at Tigress, and upcoming commissions, will not be affected by the development and Tigress will remain working out of its Bristol office.

For more information visit www.darlowsmithson.com and www.tigressproductions.co.uk