Scripps Networks Interactive relocating headquarters to Knoxville

Scripps Networks Interactive, the media company that operates such lifestyle brands as HGTV and Food Network, announced Thursday that it is moving its corporate headquarters from Cincinnati to Knoxville.

The decision comes nearly six months after the company dedicated a new $30 million, 150,000-square-foot expansion of its Scripps Networks facility in West Knoxville, where a majority of its operations are based.

Scripps Networks Interactive, whose revenues totaled $1.5 billion in 2009, has seen its lifestyle content business grow, shifting "the center of gravity for our company, by necessity," to East Tennessee, Kenneth W. Lowe, chairman and CEO of Scripps Networks Interactive, said in a statement.

"Knoxville is where it all began and where the company's future is being charted," Lowe said. "We've come a long way since launching HGTV and our Knoxville operations have become increasingly important. Making Knoxville and Tennessee the focal point of our global operations is a logical step in the company's ongoing evolution."

Lowe and other executives will be relocating to Knoxville as part of the announcement. Some members of the senior leadership team - including Lowe; Joseph NeCastro, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer; and A.B. Cruz, chief legal officer and corporate secretary - will maintain offices in both Cincinnati and Knoxville.

Key executives and other employees in human resources and communications have already migrated to Knoxville over the past couple of months.

The Cincinnati office will be maintained for functions supporting the company's responsibilities as a publicly traded company such as financial reporting, tax accounting, corporate secretary, treasury, and audit and compliance. The Cincinnati office employs about 50 people. No reduction of jobs are planned, though more functions may relocate to Knoxville in the future if it makes sense for the business.

As far as new jobs being created in Knoxville because of the move, Scripps Networks President John Lansing pointed to the company's continued growth.

"Scripps Networks Interactive has been on a good growth curve and we expect that to continue. As we have in the past, we will have the appropriate people with the expertise and support to run a world-class business," said Lansing, who moved to Knoxville from Cincinnati in 2004.

He credited Tennessee's positive business climate for contributing to the growth and success of the company, which includes HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Travel Channel, Great American Country and Cooking Channel.

Rhonda Rice, executive vice president at the Knoxville Chamber, said the decision not only solidifies Scripps' presence here but "speaks volumes about how the company feels about Knoxville and how the business community feels about them."

"It's a great announcement. It bodes well for future growth with the things they're looking to do here," she said, giving much credit for the company's recent expansion to Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. "Without him and his long-term vision, that deal would not have happened. He was critical to the entire project."

Haslam, who is running for governor of Tennessee, applauded the decision made by Scripps Networks Interactive.

"We worked very hard with Scripps because they're an incredible asset to the city and region through the jobs they offer and what they as a company give back to their community," Haslam said in a statement. "I've worked with them a long time, and I'm proud that they're choosing to call Knoxville home."

About 850 of the company's 1,950 employees worldwide work in Knoxville. The company's technical center - which includes satellite uplink operations, a control center for all of its television networks and a wide range of other administrative, business and creative functions - is also based in Knoxville.

Executives will have offices on the fourth floor of the new building's west wing, which was completed this month.

The 150,000-square-foot eco-friendly facility overlooks Interstate 40/75 just east of Pellissippi Parkway. The company is pursing a LEED certification for the building, which was built using environmentally sustainable concepts.

Scripps Networks Interactive also has a presence in New York, Maryland, Nashville, California and London. Advertising sales offices are located in New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Business writer Carly Harrington may be reached at 865-342-6317.