We're thrilled to announce that Geoff Daniels will join us as the next Executive Director of Jackson Wild. Daniels, who has been a leader in the film and television industry for over 20 years, joins Jackson Wild in its 32nd year of programming.

Daniels will lead Jackson Wild's year-round programming and will be responsible for guiding the organization's overall vision and strategy. Shaping the organization's presence globally and locally, Daniels will lead the execution and planning of the annual Jackson Wild Summit and continue to foster the sense of community that is integral to the organization's work.

"Geoff has been a champion of Jackson Wild from the beginning, quite literally. He attended the first event in 1991 and has been an active member of our community ever since," commented current Executive Director Lisa Samford, who will step away at the end of October after 20 years leading the organization. "Change is essential for Jackson Wild to continue being the dynamic, innovative organization we strive to be, and it gives me great comfort to know that the organization will be in the hands of such a capable and passionate leader."

Prior to joining Jackson Wild, Geoff Daniels was EVP of Unscripted Entertainment for the London-based production company, Nutopia, overseeing programming and marketing while expanding factual formats and executive producing series including 7 Toughest Days with Dwyane Fields, Rewind the 90s and Shark Beach. Daniels previously served as Executive Vice President of Global Unscripted Entertainment for National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo on Disney + managing all original content and commissioning many of the network's most popular and award winning series like Chris Hemsworth's Limitless, Secrets of the Whales and The World According to Jeff Goldblum. In 2010 Daniels launched Nat Geo WILD, leading its rapid growth with brand-defining events such as Big Cat Week and SharkFest, creating nearly 200 hours a year of innovative blue chip series, feature docs and series formats that furthered the network's commitment to providing extraordinary wildlife films that inspired audiences worldwide to care about the planet. 

"It's such an incredible honor to have this opportunity to build on the inspiration that Lisa's vision and Jackson Wild have provided to our filmmakers and wider conservation community," said new Executive Director Geoff Daniels. "In the coming years, you can expect us to shine the brightest light possible on the kind of innovative storytelling and strategic partnerships that will elevate Jackson Wild as a true beacon of hope for anyone seeking to make a real impact in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet."

Daniels began his career in new product development at Time-Life Video & Television, where he played a key role in building TLV into one of the world's leading home video distributors through the acquisition and marketing of Sir David Attenborough's "Trials of Life" and Ken Burns' "The Civil War" and in co-production with the BBC on the award-winning children's series "Growing Up Wild." 

"As a former member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and a longtime member of the Jackson Wild community, Geoff is an ideal leader to oversee the continued growth of Jackson Wild and solidify the organization's position as a leading force in the conservation media space for years to come. The Board feels confident in Geoff's ability to lead the organization to new heights," shared Bill Gardner, chairperson of Jackson Wild's Board of Directors.

Gardner continued: "On behalf of the entire Board, I'd like to thank Lisa for her 20 years of service to Jackson Wild. During her tenure as Executive Director, Lisa has transformed the organization into a global juggernaut and a champion of inclusivity in the natural history filmmaking industry. We are immensely grateful for her leadership and vision, and appreciate her continued support for a smooth transition."

We're thrilled to welcome Geoff to the organization and have him in attendance at the upcoming 2023 Jackson Wild Summit. Register for the Summit at the link below.