Tim Kelly was appointed President of the National Geographic Society in 2011. Back in 1985, Kelly created the award-winning Explorer series during his early days in National Geographic. He was then promoted as President of National Geographic Television and NGV with responsibilities that include managing the expansion from the documentary production operation to a multifaceted production, distribution and digital media company.
Kelly also created the National Geographic Cinema Ventures (NGCV) group, which deals with distribution to both theatrical and giant-screen movie outlets around the world. Its latest release, “Restrepo,” a 2011 nominee for an Academy Award..
For 25 years Kelly played substantial role in a wide array of National Geographic television and film productions, including documentaries airing on National Geographic Channel, NBC, PBS, Fox, CNBC and MSNBC. He formed the world famous natural history production units that wins significant industry awards and sets high. Under Kelly’s direction, National Geographic Television productions have earned more than 138 Emmy Awards and over 1,000 other industry accolades.
In 2009 Kelly’s job profile expanded to include the National Geographic flagship editorial platform, National Geographic magazine, as well as Traveler, Kids and Little Kids magazines and National Geographic Books.
Currently, in his new role, Kelly adds oversight of National Geographic Enterprises, which includes the organization’s licensing, retail and travel programs, to his portfolio. Kelly serves on the board of trustees of the National Geographic Society and on the National Geographic Channel (both U.S. and international) boards.
Inspired by the biodiversity-rich factors of the Lower Kinabatangan region and the Green Practice of Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kelly accompanied by his spouse, Susan made a visit to the lodge in August 2011.
“We really enjoyed our stay at your lodge. Donnie and the entire staff could not have been more helpful, pleasant and accommodating. Our guide, Richard, was excellent and he enabled some great experiences including extraordinary sightings of elephant, river otters, and an orangutan building his nest”
Sukau Rainforest Lodge welcomed Tim Kelly’s visit and appreciates his support by naming Deluxe Room Number 16 after him.
