Plimsoll hires ex-BBC exec as specialist factual chief

Plimsoll Productions has appointed ex-BBC’s Rachel Morgan as head of specialist factual and documentaries, with a former DRG chief also joining the expanding UK indie.

Morgan (right) will focus on specialist factual and documentary programming for both the UK and international markets.

Previously, she served as commissioning editor for specialist factual at UK pubcaster the BBC, where she was responsible for shows such as Earth with Albert Linn & Dan Snow, though she exited in January.

Plimsoll has also hired former DRG boss Jonathan Jackson as finance director and Alison Bennett as head of community outreach.

Jackson left his role as CEO of DRG after its 2013 sale to MTG, and then joined PR agency Franklin Rae before becoming finance chief at another Bristol-based indie, Icon Films.

Morgan said: “As the frontier’s global broadcasting expand rapidly, Plimsoll is at the cutting edge of that expansion, recognised as one to watch within the UK and making huge landmark shows internationally after just four years of existence. I’m excited to be part of the creative and strategic plans of this ambitious company.”

“I’m absolutely delighted that Rachel has decided to join our creative leadership team,” said Grant Mansfield, CEO at Plimsoll.

“Plimsoll has never been busier and Rachel’s expertise, experience and success, both as a commissioning executive and an indie producer, will be invaluable as we continue to expand.”

The hires arrive as the prodco looks to a “rapid expansion”.

In 2016, Plimsoll promoted a trip of executives after investing in distributor Magnify Media. Since then it has launched a Cardiff office and adapted its Channel 4 format Rescue Dogs to Super Dogs for Animal Planet in the US.