The CW Network has announced the new showrunners for Smallville’s eighth season, following yesterday’s decision by creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar to step down.

The network told Coming Soon: “Al Gough and Miles Millar have been great partners and instrumental in the development and success of Smallville. While we are sad to see them go, we are very excited to announce that executive producers Darren Swimmer, Todd Slavkin, Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson will helm the show next season.

“[They] have been writing for the show for the past six seasons, and as producers for the last four years, they have played an integral role in the ongoing creative evolution of the series.”

The announcement follows the unexpected departures of Gough and Millar, which were revealed via an open letter by the pair to fans of the show. They didn’t explain specific causes for the exit, but stated: “As the creators of Smallville we look back at seven amazing years. We look back at 152 episodes. We look back knowing that the show will continue into season eight without us. After much heartache and debate we have decided it is time for us to move on.”

See the OSCK blog to read the entire letter from Millar and Gough about their departure.