Anna Wintour is stepping down as the editor-in-chief of American Vogue after 37 years, sparking widespread speculation about who will replace the fashion industry icon. Wintour announced the decision to staffers on Thursday, June 26, revealing that Vogue is seeking a new “head of American editorial content” to handle daily operations.
Here’s who can replace Anna Wintour
Rumors regarding who will replace Anna Wintour as the next head of Vogue’s U.S. editions have started swirling on the internet. As per reports, Wintour’s long-held position of editor-in-chief will essentially end with her stepping down from the role (via The New York Times).
Vogue would hire a new editorial head to overlook the American editorial operations. Meanwhile, Wintour will remain Condé Nast’s chief content officer and global editorial director at Vogue. She would continue to oversee international editions and other Condé Nast publications, including GQ, Vanity Fair, and Architectural Digest. The search for her successor begins immediately.
Among successors who could take over Wintour’s role, reports have suggested Chioma Nnadi as a prominent candidate. The fashion editor has been heading the editorial content of British Vogue as of October 9, 2023. She also made history as the first woman of color to serve in a senior leadership role at Vogue.
Longtime followers of Vogue also believe that Chioma Nnadi is a leading candidate who could replace Wintour. A user explained on Reddit, “Smart money says Chioma Nnadi. She’s put in her time as head of editorial content at Vogue UK, so she’s demonstrated she can lead. She replaced an icon (Edward) and did a smooth transition while there. She’s got a fantastic track record, a history at Vogue US, is deeply respected in the industry, and writers and advertisers like her.”
Another possible successor of Wintour could be Amy Astley. She currently serves as global editorial director and editor-in-chief of Architectural Digest. Previously, Astley helmed Teen Vogue as its founding editor, launching the magazine in January 2003 after being handpicked by Anna Wintour in June 2002. Astley also held the position of editorial director at Teen Vogue during her tenure there.
With Astley’s strong connection with Wintour, she might get a plausible consideration for the role. Among others, fans also believe Nikki Ogunnaike, the current editor-in-chief of Marie Claire USA, might fit the role.
Originally reported by Arpita Adhya on ComingSoon.
