Playboy Names Flanders CEO

CHICAGO — Playboy Enterprises Inc. named Southern California newspaper publisher Scott Flanders its new chief executive today, succeeding interim chief executive Jerome Kern.

"The Playboy brand represents enormous opportunity. My goal is to maximize the power of the brand in order to create additional value for Playboy's customers, employees and shareholders," Flanders said.

"This is a particularly exciting time to assume the role of CEO," Flanders said. "The evolution of the media industry and the global recession's effect on consumer spending intensify the need for a creative and effective business model. I look forward to working with Hugh Hefner and the employee team to take Playboy to the next level."

Flanders was president and chief executive of Freedom Communications Inc., an Irvine, Calif.-based media company that owns eight television stations and more than 40 daily and weekly newspapers nationwide, including the Santa Ana, Calif.-based Orange County Register.

Flanders spent more than three years in a leadership position at Freedom. As an independent director of the company, he helped stop takeover offers by making deals with two private-equity firms, allowing the company to remain under family control.

Playboy also named former Olympus Media LLC Chief Financial Officer David Chemerow nonexecutive chairman.

Playboy has suffered setbacks lately, with a cutback in the publication of its flagship magazine to 11 issues this year, personnel reductions and closing of its New York offices.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Eye of Love Debuts 'Pheromone Roll-On Duo' From Bloom Line

Eye of Love has introduced the Pheromone Roll-On Duo fragrance set from its Bloom collection.

Full Circle Releases 'Grinders' Collection

Pleasure brand Full Circle has debuted its new Grinders collection of discreet vibrators.

Doc Johnson, Polynesian Pleasures Ink Distro Deal

Pleasure brand Polynesian Pleasures has signed a deal with Doc Johnson for global distribution.

Isa Bella, Selena Ivy Topline 'Lesbian Sex 28'

Isa Bella and Selena Ivy headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “Lesbian Sex 28.”

Catherine Knight Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Catherine Knight stars in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "GRWM (To Fuck)."

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys & Tailends Studios Launch Limited Partnership

Sydney Screams, Creature Feature Toys, and Tailends Studios have launched a one-month campaign to produce customizable dildos, with some proceeds benefiting SWAID Collective.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

Elegant Angel Premieres Nicole Kitt Showcase 'Cats Eye'

Nicole Kitt gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Sexpo Australia Founder Launches SexEx

Sexpo Australia founder David Ross has launched his new adult lifestyle expo, SexEx.

Private Releases 'The Love Hotel 2'

Private has released “The Love Hotel 2,” directed by Dave Menich.

Show More