The Powers That Be: Daily GQ’s Next Editor & A Vanity Fair Temp Check
Jan 17, 2026
Jessica Testa, an investigative reporter at The New York Times known for her media and culture insights, and Michael Grynbaum, a New York Times reporter with a historical perspective on Condé Nast, dive into the recent upheavals at the company. They dissect Will Welch's surprising exit from GQ and the implications for its future leadership. The duo also evaluates Mark Guiducci's early tenure at Vanity Fair, praising his blend of hard-hitting journalism and cultural flair, while reflecting on the nostalgia for past media eras.
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Will Welch Defined Modern GQ
- Will Welch modernized GQ by leaning into streetwear, events, and curated fashion enthusiasm rather than broad general-interest journalism.
- His departure opens a generational shift across Condé Nast as Vanity Fair, Vogue, and GQ all change leadership.
Weigh Internal Continuity Vs New Vision
- Consider internal candidates who already know the brand and audience when replacing long-tenured editors to preserve continuity.
- Balance managerial experience against fresh vision when choosing an editor-in-chief.
Dark Horses Offer Clearer Editorial Identity
- A dark-horse pick like Chris Black offers a clearer sense of what a successor's GQ could look like than some conventional candidates.
- Nontraditional hires bring cultural currency but may lack managerial experience.
