Fashion People GQ’s Next Editor & A Vanity Fair Temp Check
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Jan 16, 2026 Michael Grynbaum, a New York Times reporter and author of 'The Empire of the Elite', joins Jessica Testa, a cultural media reporter, to dissect the latest upheavals at Condé Nast. They analyze the impact of Will Welch’s departure from GQ and speculate on potential successors, discussing Chris Black and others. The trio also explores Mark Guiducci's early moves at Vanity Fair, contrasting editorial styles, and the evolving culture within the publishing giant. Humor intertwines with insights on whether Condé Nast is modernizing under new leadership.
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Will Welch’s Modernization Marked A Shift
- Will Welch modernized GQ by embracing streetwear, events, and focused fashion enthusiasm rather than broad general-interest reporting.
- His departure signals a generational shift across Condé Nast with multiple major titles changing leadership quickly.
Prioritize Vision And Management In Successions
- Consider internal talent like deputies and recent hires when replacing long-tenured editors to preserve institutional knowledge.
- Test candidates for both managerial experience and a clear editorial vision before promoting them.
Condé Nast Favors Internal Candidates
- Condé Nast shows a pattern of elevating internal or title-adjacent talent to top roles rather than exclusively hiring outsiders.
- That approach shapes who is considered viable for the GQ editorship now.
