Adam Baidawi named GQ's Global Editorial Director
Adam Baidawi has been appointed Global Editorial Director of GQ, succeeding Will Welch. Baidawi, formerly the deputy global editorial director, was praised by Anna Wintour as "a cultural thinker." His promotion reflects an industry trend toward editorial leaders who blend journalistic rigor with cultural sensibility, with his first print issue scheduled for September 2026.
- Before joining *GQ* as an editor, Baidawi was an Australia correspondent for *The New York Times*, covering stories like the legalization of same-sex marriage. His first byline for *GQ* was for the Australian edition over 15 years ago, and he also interned at British *GQ* in 2011. - In 2018, at age 28, Baidawi became the youngest-ever editor-in-chief at *GQ* when he was appointed to launch *GQ Middle East*, the 21st international edition of the brand. - As Head of Editorial Content at British *GQ*, Baidawi doubled the revenue for flagship events like "Men of the Year" and "GQ Heroes." - His predecessor, Will Welch, who had been Global Editorial Director since 2020, left Condé Nast to work with Pharrell Williams, the men's creative director for Louis Vuitton. - Welch's tenure was known for championing the concept of "New Masculinity," exploring how traditional gender norms are evolving. - The appointment is part of a broader Condé Nast strategy under Anna Wintour to create a more centralized, global content structure across its titles. - In his new role, Baidawi will also oversee the music publication *Pitchfork*, which was folded into *GQ's* structure in 2024. - Born to Iraqi parents and raised in Australia, Baidawi has stated that his dual identity provides a "fresh set of eyes" and helps him make the magazine "more inclusive and communal."
