Christie Hefner Ends Tenure at Playboy

CHICAGO — Playboy’s Christie Hefner quietly ended her tenure as CEO Saturday after more than 23 years at the company.

With the change, the adult entertainment publishing company instantly has new leadership.

Jerome Kern, who joined Playboy’s board of directors in 2002, will serve as chairman — a spot that Hefner served up until December — and receive compensation of $50,000 per month, according to a regulatory filing.

With Hefner’s resignation, Kern also becomes acting CEO; Playboy hired a search firm last week to find a replacement.

The Chicago-based company, in the midst of reinventing itself, also has a new editorial director, who takes the reins of the flagship magazine and website. (Hugh Hefner continues as editor-in-chief.)

Jellinek plans to unveil a sweeping revamp to the website in the coming weeks, one that has been described by Jellinek as "controlled chaos” that captures “lightning in a bottle."

Meanwhile, Playboy, which didn’t host a Super Bowl party this year, is gearing up for an NBA All-Star soiree, where it will present its March issue, hosted by 2007 Playmate of the Year Sara Underwood, Miss March 2009 Jennifer Pershing and four of their Playmate friends.

The All-Star Official Playboy Magazine March Issue Release Party will take place at the 30,000-square-foot Barcelona Nightclub in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Friday, Feb. 13, from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m The NBA All-Star game follows on Sunday, Feb. 15.

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

Asa Akira to Deliver XBIZ Talk at Miami Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that decorated performer, Pornhub brand ambassador, and author Asa Akira is set to deliver an exclusive talk at XBIZ Miami.

Rachael Cavalli: From Small Town Girl to MILF Next Door

Cavalli always wanted to be an actress. Like so many others, she moved to Los Angeles with dreams of mainstream stardom. Hollywood was indeed glamorous, she discovered, but making rent was another matter.

JustFor.fans Launches 'Fentanyl Test Strip' Initiative

JustFor.fans (JFF) has launched a test strip initiative to combat the nationwide fentanyl crisis.

Yhivi, Kira Noir Star in Latest From Brazzers

Yhivi stars alongside Kira Noir and Victor Ray in the latest release from Brazzers.

Sportsheets Expands Sex & Mischief 'Lace' Collection

Sportsheets has added ten new styles to its Lace collection by Sex & Mischief.

Aubrey Kate, Rylee Blake Star in Latest Episode of 'Preggo World'

Aubrey Kate and Rylee Blake star alongside Sage Roux in the latest installment of the Adult Time series "Preggo World," titled "Showered With Love."

Jewelz Blu Headlines Elegant Angel's 'Visions'

Jewelz Blu stars with Jay Smooth in the latest feature from Elegant Angel, titled “Visions.”

Orion Debuts 'Showers to Orgasm' Vibe From You2Toys Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced its new Showers to Orgasm vibrator from the You2Toys collection.

Lovense Launches 8th Online 'Global Orgy' Event

Lovense's eighth annual Global Orgy event will take place on X.com May 24-25, at 8 p.m. (EDT).

2025 XBIZ Miami Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Miami, the latest edition of the adult industry’s premier summer conference, set to take place May 19-22 at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach.

Show More