WildBear Entertainment Keeps CEO Tear, Adds Creative & Global Powers

WildBear Entertainment revealed a sweeping overhaul of its executive team in a press release that highlighted the company’s intent to lead the next wave of factual content creation.

The Australian producer, known for titles such as *Stuff the British Stole*, *Rise of the Dictators*, and *Every Little Thing*, will now be guided by an eight‑person core that mixes long‑time insiders with fresh faces.

The announcement underscores WildBear’s ambition to adapt to what it calls “the biggest transformation we’ve seen in decades” across the global entertainment landscape.

The reshuffle retains co‑founder Michael Tear as chief executive, while his partner Serge Ou is promoted to Head of Creative Services.

Other key appointments include Alan Erson as Managing Director of Premium Television, Craig Meade as Head of International TV, Harriet Pike moving from COO to Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, and new roles for Caroline Nicols (Chief Financial Officer), Matt Nightingale (Head of Production), and Miranda Kelly (Head of Production Finance).

Together, the team will steer WildBear’s production pipeline, international strategy, and financial health.

With more than 100 staff spread across Australia and New Zealand and a yearly output of roughly 150 hours of factual programming, WildBear has long been a respected name in the genre. Its catalogue now spans investigative documentaries, political series, and culturally relevant stories that appeal to domestic and overseas audiences alike.

## Background & Context

Founded over four decades ago, WildBear Entertainment emerged as one of Australia’s oldest producers focused on factual storytelling. The company’s evolution mirrors broader shifts in media consumption, with a growing appetite for high‑quality, data‑driven content across streaming platforms and traditional broadcasters.

Over the years, WildBear has built a reputation for bold narratives that blend rigorous research with compelling visuals.

The new leadership structure reflects WildBear’s response to an industry that is increasingly globalized and technology‑driven. By creating a dedicated Managing Director of Premium Television, the company signals a commitment to expanding its premium factual slate and refining its creative strategy.

The addition of a Head of International TV further illustrates an intent to scale content beyond Australian borders, tapping into new markets and co‑production opportunities.

WildBear’s decision to elevate Craig Meade to Head of International TV follows his track record as executive producer of several high‑profile series. This move positions him to coordinate with Wild Thring Media, the company’s distribution partner, on commissioning deals and international co‑productions.

Meanwhile, Harriet Pike’s new title underscores a broader mandate that includes digital services, catalog management, and commercial exploitation of rights—areas that have become increasingly lucrative for content owners.

## What People Are Saying

Michael Tear, the co‑founder who remains CEO, emphasized that WildBear has historically adapted quietly to industry shifts. “Our industry is undergoing the biggest transformation we’ve seen in decades,” he said.

“While WildBear has always quietly weathered every change, the time felt right to really get ahead of things, analyse all the forces at work and decide how we best want to meet the challenges ahead to steer our own future.” Tear added that the revamped leadership will combine creative and commercial strengths, allowing the company to produce “bold, world‑class factual content at scale” and expand internationally.

The announcement frames the restructuring as a strategic pivot rather than a reactionary shift. By aligning senior executives with clear mandates—creative services, premium television, international strategy—the company aims to streamline decision‑making and foster cross‑functional collaboration.

This focus is intended to support WildBear’s goal of generating long‑term value from intellectual property, rights, and creative services across multiple platforms.

While no other executives provided direct quotes in the release, the outlined roles suggest a collaborative approach with Wild Thring Media. Both Craig Meade and Harriet Pike will work closely with the distributor on new commissioning opportunities, co‑productions, and global market potential for WildBear’s content.

This partnership is expected to open doors to wider audiences and diversify revenue streams.

## What Happens Next

Following the leadership announcement, WildBear will begin implementing its new governance structure. Alan Erson’s mandate as Managing Director of Premium Television will involve overseeing the production pipeline and strategic planning for the company’s factual slate.

Concurrently, Serge Ou will lead on production, post‑production, design, and visual effects under the umbrella of Creative Services.

The company’s expansion strategy will likely involve deepening ties with Wild Thring Media to secure international co‑production deals. Craig Meade’s role as Head of International TV will focus on identifying and negotiating new commissioning opportunities across global markets.

Harriet Pike, in her capacity as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, will steer initiatives that broaden the company’s digital footprint and enhance catalog management, rights licensing, and commercial ventures.

Financially, Caroline Nicols will guide fiscal planning while Matt Nightingale and Miranda Kelly oversee production budgeting and finance. Their combined oversight is expected to improve operational efficiency and support the ambitious scale of WildBear’s forthcoming projects.

WildBear’s leadership overhaul signals a proactive stance in an evolving media environment. By realigning its executive team around clear creative, commercial, and international objectives, the company aims to strengthen its position as a leading factual content producer while pursuing growth opportunities beyond Australia’s borders.