Will Welch to leave GQ after 7 years as its top editor

Will Welch worked to move the men’s magazine away from what he called ‘manly-man tropes.’ His next role will be with Pharrell, the men’s designer of Louis Vuitton.

Posted Tuesday, January 6, 2026 10:31 am

Will Welch (Photo credit: Ike Edeani/ The New York Times)

Jessica Testa | The New York Times

Will Welch is stepping down as editor of GQ, he told staff members on Tuesday, signaling another round of upheaval at Condé Nast, the publisher of the longtime men’s magazine.

Mr. Welch, who was named the editor of American GQ in 2018 and its global editorial director in 2020, will leave the company to work in a new role with Pharrell, the musician and men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton, in Paris.

A successor has not been named. Condé Nast did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Will Welch to leave GQ after 7 years as its top editor

Will Welch worked to move the men’s magazine away from what he called ‘manly-man tropes.’ His next role will be with Pharrell, the men’s designer of Louis Vuitton.

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