Adam Baidawi Appointed Global Editorial Director of GQ

Condé Nast has announced the appointment of Adam Baidawi as the new global editorial director of GQ, effective immediately. Baidawi, who previously served as the deputy global editorial director and head of editorial content at British GQ, succeeds Will Welch, who departed to collaborate with Pharrell Williams in Paris. Baidawi's first print edition will be the September 2026 issue, during which he will oversee GQ's editorial vision and content strategy across its 12 global editions, as well as the music publication Pitchfork.

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Adam Baidawi, 35, has a diverse background in journalism and editorial leadership. He began his career as a music writer and contributed freelance articles to the Australian edition of GQ. His significant rise in the editorial ranks includes serving as the editor-in-chief of GQ Middle East from 2018 to 2021, where he became the youngest editor in the publication's history. Baidawi also worked as a correspondent for The New York Times in Australia before joining GQ.

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Anna Wintour, chief content officer at Condé Nast, expressed confidence in Baidawi's leadership, stating, “Adam makes perfect sense to lead GQ because he’s a writer and journalist first – a cultural thinker at a time when the culture needs to be thought through, and even interrogated a little.” Wintour highlighted Baidawi's global sensibility and ability to challenge conventional views on modern masculinity and culture.

Vogue

In his own words, Baidawi remarked, “It is the honour of my life to lead GQ into a new era, and to build on the legacy of the great editors I grew up admiring. GQ has remarkable power to define the conversations around style, culture and masculinity. I look forward to using that power in new and surprising ways.”

Hollywood Reporter

While the announcement has been largely met with enthusiasm, some industry observers have raised concerns about the challenges Baidawi may face in redefining GQ's editorial direction amidst a rapidly changing media landscape. Critics suggest that maintaining the magazine's relevance while appealing to a diverse readership will require innovative strategies.

GQ Names Their New Top Editor

As Baidawi steps into his new role, he is expected to implement a refreshed editorial strategy that aligns with contemporary discussions around masculinity, culture, and style. His leadership will be closely watched as he prepares for the launch of his first print issue in September 2026, marking a new chapter for GQ.

Vogue

• “Adam makes perfect sense to lead GQ because he’s a writer and journalist first – a cultural thinker at a time when the culture needs to be thought through, and even interrogated a little.” — Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast

Hollywood Reporter

• “It is the honour of my life to lead GQ into a new era, and to build on the legacy of the great editors I grew up admiring.” — Adam Baidawi, Global Editorial Director, GQ

Hollywood Reporter