After nearly two decades at the helm of Disney’s global entertainment and news properties, Anne Sweeney, currently co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney/ABC Television Group, has announced that she will depart from the company in January 2015 to pursue a career in TV directing.

Over her tenure, Sweeney grew the Disney Channels Worldwide business into a global brand comprised of 107 entertainment channels and built ABC Family into a top cable network in the US. She was instrumental in leading Disney into the digital age and has played a major role in the growth of Disney’s WATCH apps, which to date have been downloaded more than 20 million times.

Sweeney’s responsibilities also include the company’s equity interest in A+E Networks, Fusion, and Hulu.

Sweeney joined Disney in 1996 as president of Disney Channel and executive vice president of Disney/ABC Cable Networks. Previously, she was chairman and CEO of FX Networks. She also spent 12 years at Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite in various executive positions.