Food Network and Cooking Channel’s Brooke Johnson is retiring after more than 12 years with Scripps Networks Interactive, the company said Wednesday.

“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 of Scripps Networks Interactive, in a statement. “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.”

Johnson joined Food Network in 2003 and since then has overseen the development of such programming franchises as Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, Food Network Star and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. During her tenure, Food Network grew into a top-ten cable network and Cooking Channel launched. Both networks are very active in the digital space, with apps and Web offerings.

She also led Food Network’s expansion into branded products, including Food Network Magazine.

“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,” said Johnson, also in a statement.

Johnson will remain as a consultant to Scripps Networks Interactive though the end of next year. The company is expected to announce Johnson’s successor shortly.

Johnson joined Food Network from A&E, where she launched the Biography Channel, proposed the original concept for History Channel and crafted its programming strategy. Prior to joining A&E, Johnson was program director for WABC New York where she launched first the local and then national syndication of Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee.

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