The fashion media world has witnessed a major shift as Condé Nast officially names Chloe Malle as the new Head of Editorial Content at Vogue US. This appointment marks the most significant step in Anna Wintour’s succession plan after she stepped back from her editor-in-chief role in June, ending nearly four decades of leadership at fashion’s most influential publication.
*Chloe Malle has been appointed as the new Head of Editorial Content at Vogue US, a strategic move in Anna Wintour's succession planning after her four-decade leadership. Malle, a 39-year-old journalist with nearly 15 years at Vogue, significantly grew digital engagement during her tenure as editor of Vogue.com. Her role emphasizes a multi-platform strategy and evolving content, positioning Vogue to navigate the modern media landscape while preserving its editorial integrity.*
Malle, a 39-year-old journalist who’s spent almost 15 years with the Vogue franchise, brings impressive credentials to her new position. As editor of Vogue.com, she doubled direct traffic to the platform and expanded the brand’s reach through newsletters, events, and podcasts. Her role as co-host of “The Run-Through with Vogue” has already established her as a recognizable voice within the fashion community.
The appointment reflects Wintour’s strategy of promoting Vogue loyalists to key positions within Condé Nast’s evolving structure. Malle will now lead creative and editorial direction for the US edition while joining ten other executives on a global leadership team that continues to report to Wintour.
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Anna Wintour Announces Chloe Malle as New Editorial Director
Anna Wintour made the highly anticipated announcement on Tuesday through an official Vogue.com article, naming Chloe Malle as the magazine’s new Head of Editorial Content. The 39-year-old journalist receives this promotion after demonstrating exceptional performance as editor of Vogue.com and co-hosting duties on The RunThrough podcast.
Wintour described Malle as a “voracious, engaged journalist” in her announcement, emphasizing the appointee’s dedication and creative vision. The longtime Vogue editor-in-chief highlighted Malle’s work ethic and collaborative spirit, noting that she has “put in as many late nights as anybody at Condé Nast, all without losing her creative imagination or her sense of fun.”
The announcement marks a strategic succession move within Vogue’s editorial hierarchy, as Wintour transitions from her traditional editor-in-chief responsibilities while maintaining her advisory role. Malle’s appointment represents the first time Vogue US has created this specific title, signaling the magazine’s adaptation to modern publishing demands across digital and print platforms.
Malle expressed enthusiasm about her expanded role, stating that “Fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed and I am so thrilled and awed to be part of that.” Her comments reflect the industry’s rapid transformation and the increasing importance of digital content strategy in fashion publishing.
The new Head of Editorial Content position encompasses responsibilities that previously fell under Wintour’s editor-in-chief role, including overseeing creative direction and editorial strategy for the US edition. Malle joins a network of 10 Heads of Editorial Content across Vogue’s global operations, reporting directly to Wintour who continues as Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast.
Industry observers note that Malle’s promotion follows Condé Nast’s pattern of elevating internal talent to leadership positions. Her extensive experience with Vogue’s digital platforms positions her to navigate the publisher’s multi-channel content strategy effectively. The appointment also reflects the growing importance of podcasting and digital engagement in fashion media, areas where Malle has demonstrated measurable success.
Wintour praised Malle’s leadership qualities and collaborative approach, describing her desk as “a place of guidance and contagious joy.” This endorsement suggests that Malle’s editorial philosophy aligns with Vogue’s established culture while bringing fresh perspectives to content development.
The timing of this announcement coincides with significant shifts in fashion publishing, as magazines adapt to changing reader preferences and digital consumption patterns. Malle’s background in both traditional editorial work and digital content creation positions her to address these evolving demands while maintaining Vogue’s editorial standards.
Colleagues within Condé Nast have recognized Malle’s “startling acumen” and professional warmth, qualities that Wintour emphasized as essential for Vogue’s future success. The combination of analytical skills and interpersonal effectiveness suggests that Malle can manage both content strategy and team leadership responsibilities effectively.
The Head of Editorial Content role represents a modernized approach to fashion magazine leadership, acknowledging the need for specialized expertise in digital content while preserving traditional editorial excellence. Malle’s appointment demonstrates Vogue’s commitment to internal talent development and strategic succession planning.
Who Is Chloe Malle?
Chloe Malle represents a new generation of fashion journalism leadership, combining traditional editorial expertise with digital content mastery. Born on November 8, 1985, in New York City to actress Candice Bergen and French director Louis Malle, she brings both American and French heritage to her editorial perspective.
Career Journey at Vogue
Malle’s trajectory at Vogue demonstrates a strategic climb through the magazine’s editorial hierarchy. She joined the publication in 2011 as Social Editor, marking the beginning of her 14-year tenure with the fashion house. This entry-level position provided her with foundational experience in digital content creation and social media strategy during fashion journalism’s digital transformation.
Her progression continued in 2016 when she advanced to Contributing Editor, expanding her responsibilities to include feature writing and trend analysis. This role allowed her to develop relationships with fashion industry insiders and strengthen her editorial voice within Vogue’s content ecosystem.
The most significant leap occurred in 2023 when she assumed the position of Editor of Vogue.com, the magazine’s primary digital platform. During her two-year tenure in this role, Malle doubled direct traffic to the website while expanding Vogue’s journalism into newsletters, events, and podcasts. Her digital content strategy focused on multimedia storytelling that resonated with younger demographics while maintaining Vogue’s editorial standards.
Before her Vogue career, Malle spent two years at The New York Observer from 2009 to 2011, working as a reporter. This experience in traditional journalism provided her with essential skills in research, fact-checking, and deadline management that would prove valuable in her later Vogue positions.
Her September 2025 appointment as head of editorial content of Vogue U.S. represents the culmination of her editorial journey. At 39 years old, she now leads the creative and editorial direction of the magazine while reporting to global editorial director Anna Wintour.
Notable Achievements and Interviews
Malle’s digital content innovations transformed Vogue’s online engagement metrics significantly. Her strategic approach to multimedia journalism resulted in measurable growth across multiple platforms, establishing her as a leader in fashion media’s digital evolution.
She serves as co-host of The Run-Through with Vogue podcast alongside Chioma Nnadi, head of editorial content for British Vogue. This podcast became Vogue’s primary audio content platform, featuring interviews with fashion industry leaders, designers, and cultural figures. The show’s success contributed to Vogue’s expansion beyond traditional print and digital formats.
Her interview portfolio includes high-profile conversations with notable figures in fashion and entertainment. One standout piece featured Lauren Sánchez ahead of her wedding to Jeff Bezos in 2023, demonstrating Malle’s ability to secure exclusive access to influential personalities. This interview showcased her skill in balancing personal storytelling with fashion journalism’s commercial interests.
During her tenure as editor of Vogue.com, Malle developed innovative content formats that integrated fashion coverage with lifestyle journalism. She expanded the website’s newsletter offerings, creating targeted content for different audience segments while maintaining editorial consistency across all platforms.
Her event programming initiatives brought Vogue’s editorial content into live experiences, creating new revenue streams while strengthening brand engagement. These events featured fashion presentations, panel discussions, and exclusive designer showcases that translated digital content into physical experiences.
Malle’s leadership style emphasizes collaborative editorial decision-making while maintaining creative vision. Colleagues describe her workspace as a hub for guidance and creative energy, reflecting her approach to team management in fashion journalism’s fast-paced environment.
Her appointment reflects Vogue’s strategic focus on digital content expansion while preserving traditional editorial values. The magazine’s leadership views her as uniquely positioned to navigate fashion media’s evolving demands, particularly as print circulation continues declining while digital engagement increases.
Why Malle Was Selected for the Role
Malle’s appointment represents a calculated decision based on demonstrated results and strategic alignment with Vogue’s evolving content strategy. Her selection reflects a combination of proven editorial excellence and digital innovation capabilities.
Editorial Experience and Vision
Malle transformed Vogue.com into a digital powerhouse during her tenure as editor, doubling direct traffic to the website through strategic content expansion and audience engagement initiatives. Her editorial approach balanced traditional fashion journalism with modern digital storytelling formats, creating content that resonated with both longtime Vogue readers and younger demographics discovering the brand online.
Her work on “The Run-Through with Vogue” podcast established her as a distinctive voice in fashion media, conducting interviews with industry leaders and cultural figures while maintaining Vogue’s editorial standards. The podcast’s success demonstrated her ability to translate the magazine’s print sensibilities into audio format, reaching audiences across multiple platforms and expanding Vogue’s multimedia presence.
Malle’s editorial vision encompasses newsletters, events, and digital partnerships that extended Vogue’s influence beyond traditional magazine boundaries. She developed content strategies that aligned with changing reader preferences while preserving the publication’s authority in fashion and culture coverage. Her approach to digital content creation emphasized visual storytelling and interactive features that enhanced reader engagement and increased time spent on Vogue’s digital properties.
The fashion journalism landscape required editorial leaders who understood both heritage brand values and emerging content consumption patterns. Malle’s track record showed her ability to navigate these demands effectively, creating content that satisfied Vogue’s luxury brand positioning while attracting new audiences through innovative digital formats. Her editorial decisions consistently reflected an understanding of women’s evolving interests and cultural shifts affecting fashion consumption.
Her collaborative leadership style fostered creative partnerships with photographers, writers, and digital content creators, establishing Vogue.com as a destination for premium fashion content. This approach generated content that maintained editorial integrity while achieving measurable traffic growth and audience engagement metrics that supported Vogue’s digital advertising revenue streams.
Age and Timing Considerations
The timing of Malle’s promotion aligned with significant transitions within Condé Nast’s leadership structure and the broader fashion publishing industry. Her appointment occurred as magazine publishers adapted to digital-first content strategies and changing advertising revenue models that required editorial teams with multimedia expertise and digital platform experience.
Malle’s generational perspective brought understanding of social media integration and digital content consumption patterns that differed significantly from traditional magazine readership. Her age positioned her to connect with younger audiences who engaged with fashion content primarily through digital channels, while her extensive experience with Vogue’s established editorial processes ensured continuity with the brand’s heritage and values.
The fashion publishing industry experienced substantial changes in recent years, with magazine circulation declining while digital engagement increased across all major fashion publications. Malle’s proven ability to grow digital traffic positioned her as an ideal candidate to lead Vogue through this transition period, combining respect for traditional editorial excellence with practical experience in digital content strategy and execution.
Her appointment coincided with broader industry shifts toward multimedia content creation and cross-platform publishing strategies that required editorial leadership comfortable with video production, podcast hosting, and social media engagement. Malle’s experience across these formats demonstrated her readiness to lead editorial teams working in multiple content formats simultaneously.
The succession planning at Vogue required identifying leaders who could maintain editorial standards while adapting to technological changes affecting how audiences discovered and consumed fashion content. Malle’s career progression from social media roles to senior editorial positions provided her with comprehensive understanding of both traditional journalism practices and modern digital content requirements, making her selection strategically sound for Vogue’s long-term success.
Her leadership transition occurred during a period when fashion magazines competed with independent digital creators and social media influencers for audience attention and advertising revenue. This environment required editorial leaders who understood both traditional magazine production processes and contemporary digital content creation methods that could compete effectively with newer media formats while maintaining Vogue’s premium brand positioning.
Impact on Vogue’s Future Direction
Malle’s appointment represents a strategic pivot that positions Vogue US for sustained relevance in an evolving media ecosystem. Her leadership marks the beginning of a new chapter that balances heritage with innovation.
Editorial Strategy and Content Evolution
Malle’s editorial philosophy centers on multi-platform storytelling that extends Vogue’s reach across digital channels while preserving the magazine’s editorial authority. Her proven track record of doubling Vogue.com’s direct traffic demonstrates her understanding of modern content consumption patterns. Under her leadership, the publication expanded its journalism presence through newsletters, events, and podcast formats that engage audiences beyond traditional print readership.
The new head of editorial content has already transformed Vogue’s digital strategy by implementing data-driven content decisions that resonate with contemporary readers. Her work on “The Run-Through” podcast, co-hosted with British Vogue’s head of editorial content, showcases her ability to create engaging audio content that maintains Vogue’s sophisticated editorial voice. This multi-format approach reflects her understanding that fashion journalism must adapt to how audiences discover and consume content across platforms.
Malle’s editorial strategy emphasizes authentic storytelling that connects with diverse audiences while maintaining Vogue’s premium positioning. Her experience managing Vogue.com has provided insights into reader preferences and engagement patterns that inform content development decisions. The editorial team under her direction focuses on creating content that performs well digitally while upholding the editorial standards that define Vogue’s brand identity.
Her approach to content evolution includes expanding Vogue’s journalism beyond fashion coverage to encompass broader cultural conversations that matter to modern readers. This strategic expansion allows Vogue to remain relevant as audiences seek comprehensive lifestyle content that reflects their interests and values. The editorial direction under Malle’s leadership demonstrates how traditional fashion publications can evolve without compromising their core identity.
Industry Expectations
Fashion publishing experts view Malle’s appointment as a strategic choice that ensures continuity while introducing fresh perspectives to Vogue’s editorial leadership. Her 14-year tenure with the publication provides deep institutional knowledge combined with practical experience in digital content strategy. Industry observers note that her promotion follows a pattern of elevating internal talent who understand Vogue’s culture and editorial standards.
The fashion media landscape expects Malle to navigate the challenges facing traditional publications as they compete with digital-native brands and social media influencers. Her success in growing Vogue.com’s traffic demonstrates her ability to adapt editorial strategies to changing reader behaviors and platform preferences. Industry analysts predict that her leadership will focus on maintaining Vogue’s authority while expanding its digital presence across emerging platforms.
Publishing industry expectations center on Malle’s ability to balance editorial excellence with commercial viability in an environment where fashion magazines face pressure to demonstrate measurable audience engagement. Her proven track record of creating content that drives traffic while maintaining editorial integrity positions her well to meet these dual demands. The industry recognizes her collaborative leadership style as essential for managing diverse content creation teams across multiple platforms.
Fashion journalism professionals expect Malle’s leadership to influence how other publications approach editorial succession and content strategy development. Her appointment signals a shift toward leaders who combine traditional editorial skills with digital content expertise. The industry anticipates that her editorial decisions will impact fashion media trends as other publications observe Vogue’s strategic direction under her leadership.
Her role as head of editorial content represents a new model for fashion magazine leadership that acknowledges the importance of digital content strategy alongside traditional editorial responsibilities. Industry expectations include her ability to mentor emerging fashion journalists while adapting Vogue’s editorial processes to meet contemporary publishing demands. The fashion media community views her appointment as a test case for how established publications can evolve their leadership structures to remain relevant in changing market conditions.
Anna Wintour’s Succession Planning
Anna Wintour’s strategic approach to succession planning represents a calculated transformation of leadership at Condé Nast that extends far beyond appointing Chloe Malle as Head of Editorial Content. The 75-year-old fashion icon orchestrated a comprehensive restructuring of the company’s brand leadership, positioning loyal Vogue veterans in key roles across multiple publications while maintaining her overarching influence as Chief Content Officer and global editorial director.
The succession strategy centers on elevating internal talent who understand Vogue’s editorial DNA and cultural significance. Wintour handpicked Malle after nearly 40 years of leading American Vogue, recognizing her ability to bridge the publication’s storied legacy with its digital future. This appointment marks the first time Vogue US has created the Head of Editorial Content title, reflecting Wintour’s recognition that modern fashion publishing requires specialized digital expertise alongside traditional editorial skills.
Wintour’s planning extends beyond Vogue to encompass broader Condé Nast properties. Mark Guiducci, another longtime Vogue loyalist, received appointment to lead Vanity Fair, demonstrating Wintour’s systematic approach to placing trusted allies in influential positions. This network of Vogue-trained executives ensures continuity of editorial standards and cultural values across the company’s portfolio of prestigious publications.
The restructuring addresses the dual challenges facing magazine publishing: declining print circulation and shifting advertising revenues. Wintour recognized that her successor must possess deep digital content expertise while maintaining Vogue’s editorial authority. Malle’s proven track record of doubling Vogue.com traffic and expanding the brand’s presence across newsletters, podcasts, and events made her the logical choice to navigate these industry pressures.
Wintour’s succession planning incorporates her continued involvement as mentor and strategic advisor. Rather than a complete handover, the structure allows Wintour to focus on global growth initiatives, major events like the Met Gala, and international Vogue editions while Malle handles day-to-day editorial operations for the American publication. This gradual transition preserves institutional knowledge while empowering new leadership to innovate.
The timing of Malle’s appointment reflects Wintour’s understanding of generational shifts in fashion media consumption. At 39, Malle represents a millennial perspective that aligns with Vogue’s evolving readership demographics. Her experience co-hosting “The Run-Through” podcast with British Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi demonstrates her ability to connect with younger audiences through contemporary content formats.
Wintour’s succession strategy acknowledges that fashion journalism now requires multi-platform expertise. The Head of Editorial Content role encompasses responsibilities that extend beyond traditional magazine editing to include social media strategy, digital partnerships, and emerging content platforms. This evolution reflects Wintour’s recognition that future Vogue leadership must possess both editorial judgment and digital marketing acumen.
The appointment process revealed Wintour’s preference for continuity over disruption. Industry speculation suggested external candidates might bring fresh perspectives, but Wintour chose internal promotion to preserve Vogue’s cultural identity. Malle’s 15-year tenure at the publication ensures deep understanding of editorial processes, advertiser relationships, and brand positioning that external hires would require years to develop.
Wintour’s global perspective influences her succession planning approach. As Chief Content Officer, she maintains oversight of international Vogue editions while allowing regional editors autonomy to address local market conditions. This structure positions Malle to collaborate with global counterparts while focusing on American market dynamics and digital innovation opportunities.
The succession plan addresses changing industry economics through strategic leadership placement. Condé Nast faces ongoing financial pressures as print advertising continues declining and digital monetization remains challenging. Wintour’s choice of Malle reflects confidence in her ability to develop revenue-generating content strategies that preserve editorial integrity while meeting commercial objectives.
Conclusion
Malle’s appointment signals a transformative era for Vogue as the publication embraces digital-first strategies while honoring its editorial legacy. Her ability to drive measurable growth through innovative content approaches positions her as an ideal leader for navigating the complex media landscape ahead.
This strategic move demonstrates how established publications can successfully evolve by investing in proven internal talent who understand both brand heritage and modern audience expectations. Malle’s unique combination of traditional journalism skills and digital expertise creates a blueprint for editorial leadership in today’s competitive market.
The fashion industry will be closely watching how this transition unfolds as Vogue continues to set standards for editorial excellence and digital innovation under Malle’s direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chloe Malle?
Chloe Malle is Vogue’s newly appointed Head of Editorial Content, a role created specifically for her. She’s been with Vogue since 2011, starting as Social Editor and most recently serving as Editor of Vogue.com and co-host of “The Run-Through with Vogue” podcast. Born to actress Candice Bergen and director Louis Malle, she brings nearly 15 years of experience in digital content and journalism to her new position.
What is the Head of Editorial Content role at Vogue?
This is the first time Vogue US has created the Head of Editorial Content title. The role encompasses responsibilities previously held by Anna Wintour, including overseeing editorial strategy, creative direction, and leading Vogue’s multi-platform content approach. Malle will report directly to Wintour, who remains as Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast, and joins a global network of 10 similar positions.
Why was Chloe Malle chosen for this position?
Malle was selected based on her proven track record of transforming Vogue’s digital presence, doubling website traffic through strategic content expansion and audience engagement. Anna Wintour praised her as a “voracious, engaged journalist” with strong work ethic and creative vision. Her combination of traditional editorial expertise and digital innovation capabilities made her the ideal candidate for Vogue’s evolving content strategy.
What changes can we expect under Malle’s leadership?
Malle’s editorial philosophy focuses on multi-platform storytelling and data-driven content decisions while preserving Vogue’s editorial integrity. Expect expansion of digital offerings, newsletters, events, and partnerships that extend beyond traditional fashion coverage. Her approach balances Vogue’s heritage with innovation, aiming to connect with diverse audiences while maintaining the publication’s authority and cultural relevance.
Is Anna Wintour leaving Vogue completely?
No, Anna Wintour is not leaving Vogue entirely. She remains as Chief Content Officer and Global Editorial Director at Condé Nast. This appointment is part of Wintour’s broader succession planning strategy, allowing her to focus on mentoring global editorial leaders while Malle handles day-to-day editorial operations. Wintour will continue her involvement with major events like the Met Gala and Vogue World.
How does this appointment fit into Condé Nast’s strategy?
Malle’s promotion reflects Condé Nast’s strategy of promoting internal talent who understand the company’s editorial DNA. This approach ensures continuity while introducing fresh perspectives to address challenges like declining print circulation and shifting digital consumption patterns. The appointment is part of a broader restructuring that includes similar leadership changes across Condé Nast’s portfolio.
Valencia Jackson serves as Global Senior Director of Strategic Brand Strategy and Communications at AMW, where she specializes in brand development and audience engagement strategies. With her deep understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, Valencia helps clients craft authentic narratives that drive measurable business results. Her strategic methodology focuses on building sustainable client relationships through data-driven insights, creative innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence.