The Board of National Geographic Partners, a joint venture between 21st Century Fox and the National Geographic Society, have announced that Gary E. Knell, who since 2014 has served as President and CEO of the National Geographic Society, will succeed Declan Moore as the new CEO of National Geographic Partners.

In his new role as CEO of National Geographic Partners, Knell will oversee all of National Geographic’s global storytelling assets, including the television, magazine, print and digital operations, licensing and travel expeditions. As CEO of the National Geographic Society, Knell was responsible for the Society’s nonprofit and educational activities globally, and until the formation of National Geographic Partners, oversaw the organisation’s print and digital platforms, travel and consumer products. Knell presently serves as Chairman of National Geographic Partners, and has also held various board positions at National Geographic since 2003.

In an Q & A  featured on the official website, Gary Knell responded to the impending acquisition by Disney of 21st Century Fox which owns National Geographic and what changes he expected if the sale goes through.

“I anticipate changes. What are they going to be? I have no idea. Our conversations have been limited, but [Disney CEO] Bob Iger has indicated that he’s really excited about National Geographic. There are tremendous possibilities for consumer products, Travel, Kids, and how we can fit into the global aspects of what they’re doing digitally.”