Iconic fashion magazine editor steps down

After nearly 40 years as the editor-in-chief of Vogue’s U.S. edition, Anna Wintour is handing over daily editorial duties to a newly appointed “head of editorial content” – a move experts say marks a major strategic pivot at Condé Nast.

A spokesperson confirmed that Wintour, 75, will retain her roles as Condé Nast’s global chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director, supervising international editions, Reuters reported. Reuters noted that this shift “will give Wintour more time and flexibility to support other global markets.”

In a staff meeting reported by the Associated Press, Wintour spoke of her evolving role.

“Anybody in a creative field knows how essential it is never to stop growing in one’s work… my greatest pleasure is helping the next generation of impassioned editors,” she said, as published by the AP.

AP also reported that she will still be very much involved in the direction of Vogue, overseeing Condé Nast internationally except The New Yorker.

Wintour’s departure from the editor-in-chief title is being described as “the end of a major chapter in fashion publishing,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle, as a new leader will take charge of Vogue’s U.S. day-to-day operations.

The move is the latest move in a years-long reorganization that has already rolled out across Vogue’s international editions, reports The Business of Fashion.

Wintour’s departure from the day-to-day business of the U.S. magazine marks the first time in 37 years that the top job at American Vogue is available, according to the Business of Fashion.

Looking ahead, American Vogue will continue with strong editorial leadership, while Wintour focuses on Condé Nast’s global footprint, ongoing events like the Met Gala and mentoring a new generation. The company said she “plans to remain Vogue’s tennis and theater editor in perpetuity,” according to AP.

The person to be named the U.S. magazine’s “head of editorial content” has not yet been announced.