Jeff Hasler Named Executive Vice President for National Geographic Studios

WASHINGTON (Oct. 17, 2014)-Jeff Hasler has been named executive vice president of development and production for National Geographic Studios, the production division of the National Geographic Society. National Geographic Studios is responsible for all television, film and video production for the organization - from giant screen to digital short form. Hasler will report to Brooke Runnette, president of National Geographic Studios, who made today's announcement.

In his new role, Hasler will oversee the development, pitching and production of series and specials to National Geographic Channel and other outside entities, and will serve as a key strategic partner to Runnette on all National Geographic Studios operations and business affairs.

I am thrilled to have Jeff join our team as we expand the new National Geographic Studios, said Runnette. Our diverse production slate is designed to bring the National Geographic mission to as many audiences and platforms as possible, and I know that Jeff will be instrumental in creating fresh and engaging content that will allow us to continue to expand our reach.

As a lifelong fan of National Geographic, this is an amazing opportunity to contribute to an incredible organization with such an enduring legacy and important mission, said Hasler. I am eager to start developing unique programming that brings National Geographic's remarkable stories of science and exploration to every possible audience.

Hasler began his career in the industry as an independent feature and documentary filmmaker. Since then, he has worked as a producer, director, writer and executive for a number of television networks, including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Bravo, TLC, The History Channel, VH1, PBS and Food Network.

While at Discovery, Hasler served as senior vice president of production and development, managing all programming, including Deadliest Catch, Dirty Jobs, Storm Chasers, Cash Cab, Into the Wild and Shark Week. He was also responsible for commissioning films for Discovery's feature documentary division, Discovery Films. Prior to joining Discovery, Jeff served as director of programming at A&E, overseeing nonfiction and reality productions, including Biography.

Throughout his career, Hasler has been involved in the production and commissioning of a variety of Emmy- and Academy Award-winning television projects, including Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Man vs. Wild and Cash Cab as well as documentary feature films Man on Wire and Werner Herzog's Encounters at the End of the World. Hasler was also a co-producer of Showtime's Walter and Henry, an Emmy- and DGA Award-nominated film starring James Coburn and John Larroquette.

About the National Geographic Society

With a mission to inspire people to care about the planet, the 126-year-old National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Working to inspire, illuminate and teach, the member-supported Society reaches over 600 million people worldwide each month through its media platforms, products and events. National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 research, conservation and exploration projects, and its education programs promote geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

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