As senior vice president of development and production for Nat Geo WILD, Janet Han Vissering is responsible for over 200 hours of programming commissioned each year for broadcast in 166 countries, 330 million homes and 34 languages worldwide. 

In her role, Vissering oversees the premium natural history and animal-focused slates for all of National Geographic’s global networks and SVOD platforms, which includes National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD and now Disney+. She closely manages WILD’s development team, working with the world’s leading independent producers, distributors, creative agencies and strategic broadcast partners to create the network’s signature series, specials and events. She also provides daily oversight of production to ensure creative continuity and that all network programming objectives are being met — from project conception through delivery. Previously, she was SVP of strategic development and co-finance for seven years. As part of her development role, she has been responsible for creating key programs such as The Incredible Dr. Pol, Cesar 911, Animal Fight Night and Wild Brazil, among other highly rated shows.

Prior to acquiring her current position, Vissering served as vice president of international acquisitions at NGCI from August 1998 to March 2000. She joined NGCI from Discovery Networks International, where she was head of program acquisitions and development from 1995 to 1998, managing the acquisition and development of over 2,500 program hours annually.

Vissering joined Discovery Communications Inc. as a regional marketing manager for The Learning Channel, affiliate sales and relations, in March 1993. Prior to this role, she was a public affairs specialist for the Department of the Navy, based in Sasebo, Japan.

A graduate of the University of Maryland in College Park, with a major in international relations/business, Vissering is a native of Korea and speaks Korean fluently.

Speaking on: Natural History's Brave New World