Knoxville – Laureen Ong has been named as the new president of Travel Channel. Ong was selected for the position by Scripps Networks Interactive following a nationwide search that was initiated by the company after it acquired Travel Channel last December. Ong will join Travel Channel on April 19. Travel Channel is one of three fully distributed television networks owned by Scripps Networks Interactive which also owns HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Great American Country and Fine Living Network, soon to be rebranded as Cooking Channel. “Laureen has the brand experience and proven track record in developing non-fiction television that will help us build on the recent success that Travel Channel has achieved,” said Kenneth W. Lowe, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Scripps Networks Interactive. “She also has an excellent business acumen that will facilitate expanding the brand into new ventures within the travel category, much like we have done with Food Network and HGTV.” Ong recently served in Asia as COO of the STAR Group, having previously been instrumental in the establishment and growth of National Geographic Channel.