EXCLUSIVE: Dom Bird, Amazon MGM Studios’ UK unscripted chief, is exiting after seven years to launch a production company.

Bird, one of the masterminds behind the smash hit Gladiators revival for the BBC, is launching EarlyBird while remaining in the Amazon stable by striking a first-look studio deal with the business. He will continue to exec Gladiators and the BBC’s version of The Apprentice.

Bird took the role seven years ago shortly after leaving his post as Channel 4 Head of Formats. Gladiators has defined his Amazon legacy in the UK. Co-produced with Hungry Bear, the reboot of the old ITV show attracts millions of viewers per ep and has spawned a celebrity version along with live experiences.

Bird is also behind the BBC’s The Apprentice along with another growing format, The Marvelous Miniature Workshop, also for the BBC. He will continue to freelance EP Gladiators and The Apprentice. He is a UK TV vet who was previously Creative Director of Entertainment at the BBC. Past credits include Dragons’ Den, Lego Masters and Hunted.

Bird’s exit comes at a time of change for Amazon MGM Studios. His boss Barry Poznick left late last year and ex-Netflix execs Peter Friedlander (global TV) and Jenn Levy (unscripted) are now running things on the TV side. Succession plans for Bird have not yet been set while Levy gets her feet under the table, we understand.

Bird said: “Launching EarlyBird represents an exciting new chapter in my career, enabling me to build on my passion for innovative, audience-captivating formats. With full creative independence, backed by one of the industry’s leading studios, EarlyBird will focus on developing bold, original unscripted programmes that resonate globally. I am delighted to maintain my deep-rooted partnership with MGM and I am grateful to the superb team at Amazon MGM Studios. I can’t wait to bring fresh ideas to broadcasters and streamers alike.”

Amazon said the EarlyBird formats and factual deal will focus on “scalable ideas for global streamers, broadcasters and platforms.”

Bird is the second senior Amazon executive who has left to launch an indie in the past year. Last February, we revealed international originals boss James Farrell was leaving to open a YA firm, which he dished on last week in an exclusive interview with Deadline.