GQ Australia promotes Michael Christensen to editor

News Corp’s GQ Australia has promoted managing editor Michael Christensen to the role of editor, who is hoping to evolve the traits he learnt from his mother and wife in Australian men, to make them the “best they can be”.

It comes more than 18 months after the departure of Matthew Drummond, leaving former GQ editor and News Corp’s director of prestige and lifestyle, Nick Smith as interim editor.

Christensen’s appointment is effective immediately

Christensen’s promotion comes after four years with the publication as chief subeditor and managing editor.

Effective immediately, Christensen will take responsibility of all of GQ Australia’s assets, including print, digital, social and events.

Upon his appointment, he thanked his biggest influences – his mother and wife.

“It’s a huge privilege to be appointed editor of GQ Australia. I would like to thank Nick for his continued support and mentorship over the past 18 months,” Christensen said.

“Stepping into this role at Australia’s most prestigious men’s title, some of my biggest influences are actually women. My mother has always instilled in me the importance of good manners, not to mention an innate appreciation of personal style.

“And I have a wife who inspires me to be ambitious, innovative and respectful – all with a smile on my face. I’m looking forward to maintaining and evolving these traits in every Australian gent – challenging men to be the best they can be.”

Smith said he was glad Christensen was in the “hot seat” to bring GQ Australia’s new initiatives to market.

“Michael has an incredible passion for the GQ brand, and an innate understanding of our mission of helping ambitious young men become successful gentlemen,” Smith said.

“As we move into the 20th anniversary year of GQ Australia, the GQ brand is on a high, with our highest readership levels, the strongest digital and social audience in the men’s premium lifestyle category and an incredible experiential platform in the GQ Men of the Year Awards. I have Michael and our brilliant team to thank for that.

“But we’re not done there, in the next six months we’ll see a supercharged digital proposition for GQ, an exciting new program we’re calling the Gentlemen’s Initiative and celebrations as we work towards our 20th birthday.”

Christensen’s appointment comes after a series of changes to the GQ Australia team this year.

Earlier this year, Brad Homes, fashion editor left the title to become a freelance fashion stylist. He was replaced by Olivia Harding. Josh Beggs, former creative director left his role at the end of July to start his own design consultancy, who was replaced by Sarah Hughes.

It also comes the same week as the departure of Richard Clune, deputy editor, who is set to leave his role at the end of the week. Clune will remain with GQ as associate editor and will a point of contact for features.

His replacement is yet to be announced.