1:46 pm - February 18, 2026
- Adam Baidawi, aged 35, takes charge of GQ worldwide, overseeing US and international editions.
- His appointment reflects a drive for continuity and generational change at Condé Nast.
- Baidawi aims to redefine masculinity as modern, progressive, and aspirational.
Condé Nast has named Adam Baidawi global editorial director of GQ, placing the 35-year-old editor in charge of the men’s title worldwide and extending a run of senior promotions from within the company.
The appointment signals both continuity and generational change at the publisher, which has reshaped its top ranks in recent months while seeking to position its flagship brands for a more competitive and politically charged media environment.
Baidawi, who previously led British GQ and served as deputy global editorial director, will now oversee GQ’s US and international editions as well as Pitchfork, the music publication folded into GQ in 2024. He succeeds Will Welch, who announced in January that he would leave the role to move to Paris to work with Pharrell Williams, the musician and men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton.
In June, Mark Guiducci became editor of Vanity Fair, while Chloe Malle succeeded Anna Wintour as American Vogue’s top editor. Wintour remains Vogue’s global editorial director and Condé Nast’s chief content officer.
Baidawi began his career as a music writer in Australia and became editor in chief of GQ Middle East in 2018 at age 28. He later assumed oversight of British GQ and global editorial responsibilities.
“I’m curious to propose a version of masculinity that is yes, progressive, yes, modern, but is also sexier and cooler and more aspirational and more desirable than some of the nihilism or cruelty or vanity that we see out there,” Baidawi said.
He will relocate to New York. His first print issue will publish in September.
- https://www.condenast.com/news/conde-nast-appoints-adam-baidawi-global-editorial-director-gq – This official Condé Nast announcement confirms Adam Baidawi’s appointment as Global Editorial Director of GQ, effective immediately, overseeing the brand’s editorial vision across its global network of 12 editions.
- https://www.gq.com/story/adam-baidawi-named-global-editorial-director-of-gq – GQ’s own coverage details Baidawi’s promotion from Deputy Global Editorial Director and Head of Editorial Content at British GQ to his new role, highlighting his leadership in the brand’s editorial direction.
- https://www.thewrap.com/media-platforms/journalism/gq-global-editorial-director-adam-baidawi-conde-nast/ – This article discusses Baidawi’s previous role as Deputy Global Editorial Director and Head of Editorial Content at British GQ, and his new responsibilities overseeing all 12 global editions and Pitchfork.
- https://adambaidawi.com/ – Baidawi’s personal website provides a comprehensive overview of his career, including his tenure as Editor-in-Chief of GQ Middle East and his role as Deputy Global Editorial Director at GQ.
- https://www.vogue.com/article/gq-names-adam-baidawi-global-editorial-director – Vogue’s coverage highlights Baidawi’s appointment and his vision for leading GQ into a new era, building on the legacy of previous editors.
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/cond-nast-names-insider-adam-baidawi-as-global-editorial-director-of-gq-101771354108774.html – This article reports on Baidawi’s appointment as global editorial director of GQ, noting his previous role as Deputy Global Editorial Director and Head of Editorial Content at British GQ.
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