The editor of GQ, Mike Christensen, is stepping down to return to the UK. While the announcement comes just days before the brand’s flagship Men of the Year event, Christensen has told Mediaweek he will still be officiating at the awards.
News Prestige Network’s editorial director of GQ Australia, Vogue Australia and Vogue Living Edwina McCann has announced the appointment of Jake Millar as acting editor of leading premium men’s lifestyle brand GQ Australia.
Millar, current deputy editor of GQ Australia, will step into the new role in mid-December succeeding Christensen who has resigned from the business to return to the UK with his young family at the end of the year.
Christensen has been with GQ Australia for more than seven years. He was appointed editor of GQ Australia in October 2017 and prior to that held positions of managing editor and chief sub editor.
“I am very thrilled with what the team has been able to achieve over the past few years,” Christensen told Mediaweek. “It was a tough decision to make to leave, but I am looking forward to seeing what Jake and the rest of the gifted team can do. The brand is in the best shape it’s ever been.”
Christensen said he is looking forward to what will be his final Men of the Year awards to showcase the brand. “It is not just a party for the famous, there are a lot of messages about the role models of today and tomorrow we are celebrating.”
His team has known about the departure for some time and Christensen leaves the building on December 6. He heads back to the UK later in December in time for Christmas.
Once back in the UK, Christensen, who has worked for Condé Nast UK in the past, will be exploring potential opportunities back in London.
McCann also announced Christopher Riley, current senior editor of GQ Australia, will take on the new role of acting deputy editor of the brand.
McCann said: “Both Jake and Chris have incredible passion for this brand and they step into their new roles in mid-December with my full support. GQ Australia is in a great place and together I know they will lead the team to even greater heights as we move into 2020.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike Christensen for all of the great work he has done during his time with GQ Australia. As editor over the last two years he has refreshed the magazine, grown the brand through digital and social and was instrumental in launching the GQ Gentlemen’s Ball initiative which shines a light on people passionate about making positive change in the world.
“Mike will leave GQ Australia on a high note, following the 2019 GQ Men of the Year Awards and sending the January/February 2020 issue to print. While we are sad to lose Mike, we wish him and his family all the very best.”
Christensen spoke highly of McCann, telling Mediaweek: “When Edwina started working with us we all thought it was great news as she brings so much positive energy with her. She has been a brilliant role model and mentor to me. We have had some difficult times with the brand and she has played a big part in turning things around.”
Millar began his career with GQ Australia in 2011 as an editorial assistant, and has worked as the magazine’s features writer and features editor, before being promoted to deputy editor in November 2017.
Riley joined GQ Australia in July 2017, as senior sub editor and was promoted to the role of senior editor earlier this year.