Courteney Monroe has re-upped her role as president of National Geographic Global Networks ahead of the company’s expected merger with Disney.

While she was tapped to lead Fox prior to the merger, she decided to stay put.

She’ll continue to oversee global programming, operations and marketing for the portfolio of National Geographic channels around the world, which includes National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, and Nat Geo MUNDO. Monroe also oversees NG Studios, the company’s in-house production unit, as well as the recently established National Geographic Documentary Films banner.

Monroe will also continue to report to Gary Knell, chairman of National Geographic Partners, and work closely with Peter Rice, president of 21st Century Fox and chairman and chief executive Officer of Fox Networks Group.

“We’re very excited to build on Courteney’s successful strategy, which has resulted in year-over-year growth, generated unprecedented critical acclaim and significantly raised the profile of National Geographic,” said Knell in a statement. “I have no doubt that Courteney will continue to drive growth and success for our brand around the world.”

“It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to lead the transformation of the National Geographic television business,” said Monroe in a statement. “I’m incredibly grateful to Peter and Gary for their ongoing support and leadership and I look forward to taking our brand and business to even greater heights as part of Disney’s expanded media portfolio.”

Monroe also revealed expanded roles for her executive creative team.

Geoff Daniels
Geoff Daniels

Geoff Daniels will become executive vice president, global unscripted entertainment for National Geographic Channels, where he will oversee all development and production for unscripted programming for both National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD, a role he previously held on an interim basis. He’ll continue to report to Monroe at National Geographic’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Carolyn Bernstein
Carolyn Bernstein

Carolyn Bernstein will become executive vice president, global scripted content and documentary films, adding oversight of feature documentaries released under the National Geographic Documentary Films banner. Bernstein will build on the company’s roster of feature documentaries that showcase important and globally relevant stories from documentary filmmakers. Bernstein will continue to report to Monroe and is based in the network’s Los Angeles office.

“I’m extremely fortunate to work with such talented executives as Geoff and Carolyn,” said Monroe. “The combination of Geoff’s outstanding strategic and creative leaderships skills, along with his wealth of experience in factual entertainment, make him the perfect person to lead our unscripted business. And with Carolyn’s proven track record in developing premium scripted projects, I’m looking forward to elevating our National Geographic Documentary Films banner even further.”

Since National Geographic embarked on its premium programming strategy less than two years ago under Monroe’s leadership, the network has launched its four most-viewed series in network history, including One Strange Rock and MARS. The network also scored 18 Emmy nominations for both National Geographic and National Geographic WILD, and took home five Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

National Geographic Documentary Films has also been successful in a short amount of time, highlighted by the record box office success of feature documentary Free Solo, and Emmy-winning films Jane and LA92.

“Courteney has done an exceptional job leading National Geographic Global Networks through a strategic transformation that has unlocked a new level of critical and commercial success for this beloved brand,” said Rice in a statement. “I am pleased she’ll continue to play such an important role in positioning National Geographic for future success.”

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