Lansing to Replace Retiring Spray at Scripps

Scripps Networks president Ed Spray will retire at year-end, to be succeeded by executive vice president John Lansing, parent The E.W. Scripps Co. said Tuesday.

Scripps Networks operates Home & Garden Television, Food Network, Do It Yourself, Fine Living and Shop at Home.

The company said Spray “was instrumental in the launch of HGTV 10 years ago as a member of the network's original executive-management team.”

Lansing has been with Scripps for nine years.

"Scripps Networks is what it is today because of Ed's hard work, rock-solid values and integrity and professionalism," E.W. Scripps senior VP and Scripps Networks chairman Frank Gardner said in a prepared statement. "We'll always be indebted to Ed for all he has done to help get us to this point."

Speaking about Lansing, Gardner added, “John is a very thoughtful, smart, hard-working and focused individual who is good at sorting through issues and understanding the complexity of our business. John's appointment to president means full-steam ahead for Scripps Networks. The goal is a seamless transition ensuring continuity of style, purpose and direction.”