Scripps Exec Brooke Johnson to Retire

Food Network president Brooke Johnson will retire after more than 12 years with the Scripps Networks company.

Johnson, currently president of Food Network and Cooking Channel, will continue to serve as a consultant to Scripps Networks Interactive through the end of 2016, according to the company.

Scripps said it will announce a replacement for Johnson in the coming days.

Under Johnson’s leadership, Food Network has built on its position as the leading cable food and entertainment brand, developing popular shows such as Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen and Food Network Star.

In addition, Johnson -- a Multichannel News Wonder Woman -- has overseen consistent year-on-year ratings for Cooking Channel.

  “Brooke Johnson has been one of the key driving forces behind the success of Food Network since she joined the company,” said Kenneth W. Lowe, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Scripps Networks Interactive. “Food Network touches hundreds of millions of consumers every month, through shows including ‘Food Network Star’ and ‘Guy’s Grocery Games’ and through its many brand extensions. We’re very grateful to Brooke for her passion and hard work in building one of the strongest media brands around, and I’m gratified that the company will continue to benefit from her expertise and insight in a consultative capacity.”

Added Johnson: “I couldn't be more proud of everything that the team and talented chefs and hosts have created and accomplished together during my time here. The timing was right for me to step back and enjoy the next phase of my life, but I leave with total confidence that Food Network and Cooking Channel will continue to grow and engage fans of these beloved brands for many years to come.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.