David Lyle Named CEO of National Geographic Channels

David Lyle has been named CEO of National Geographic Channels, effective immediately.

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In his new role, Lyle will be responsible for the overall supervision of the domestic channels — which include the National Geographic Channel (NGC), Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo Mundo —owned jointly by the Fox Networks Group and the National Geographic Society.

National Geographic Channels president Steve Schiffman will report to Lyle, who had been working with the National Geographic management team as the head of West Coast development for several months. Lyle will be based out of Washington, D.C.

"Heading up the National Geographic Channels is a dream job. I will be working with an extraordinary brand and a great team that I’ve come to know and respect over the past few months. I am fortunate to be able to lead a group that consistently delivers top-notch nonfiction programming that resonates with audiences," says Lyle in a statement.

"David brings extensive creative experience and a strong international perspective to this critical role," adds Tim Kelly, president of the National Geographic Society. "He will be focused on delivering compelling popular programming that reflects, enhances and delivers on the substance of the National Geographic brand and mission. We are delighted to have him on our team."

Lyle worked at Fox since 2005. There, he was most recently president of Fox Look, a unit specializing in the international licensing and production of reality formats, and the Fox Reality Channel.

He had also held senior executive positions at FremantleMedia (where he helped launch American Idol), Pearson Television and Australia’s Nine Network.

Lyle was an exploration geologist and high school chemistry teacher before making a career switch into television as a researcher, writer and producer.

Lindsay.Powers@thr.com; @LKPE