Hefner, Leading the Private Playboy, Has Salary Set at $1M

HOLMBY HILLS, Calif. — In a sea of filings with the Security Exchange Commission, founder Hugh Hefner and his team have outlined Playboy's transition to a private company.

Hefner, according to one of the numerous filings, will agree to an annual base salary of $1 million and entitled to his permanent residence at the Playboy Mansion. Hefner's salary in 2009, the last year recorded, also was $1 million.

The filings with regulators include all kinds of information on the company in presentations to board members on company divisions, including pay per view, and investor institutions.

The filings also include letters to shareholders and the formal offer to purchase statements.

Hefner’s plan remains a good one for the Playboy founder, who has been its chief creative officer ever since its beginning in 1953. Hefner is 84.

“If Mr. Hefner’s employment is terminated for cause or Mr. Hefner resigns for good reason, then during the remainder of his life, he may continue to reside in the Playboy Mansion ...," Playboy said in the regulatory statement.

The new agreement also spells out terms of using the Playboy name past his life.

"Following Mr. Hefner’s death or any time at which he no longer owns any equity in purchaser, the surviving corporation may continue using the licensed property in connection with then-existing uses that were previously approved by Mr. Hefner for an annual license fee of $250,000 payable to a charitable foundation or other nonprofit designated by Mr. Hefner or his estate," Playboy said in the filing.

"The surviving corporation also receives a right of first negotiation/offer if Mr. Hefner ever elects to sell, assign or transfer the licensed property to a third party."

Playboy also said that CEO Scott Flanders will receive an annual base salary of $900,000, with an annual increase of $25,000 commencing in March, and an annual bonus opportunity of up to 100 percent of his base salary.

Hefner, who controls Icon Acquisition Holdings, plans on taking Playboy private along with investment firm Rizvi Traverse Management LLC, which was first approached by Playboy to go private in December 2009.

Previous to today's tender offer, Hefner owned about 70 percent of Playboy's Class A common stock and 28 percent of its nonvoting Class B stock.

The transaction values the company at about $207 million, topping Hefner's offer of $5.50 per share in July, though just shy of an offer made by FriendFinder Networks that's valued at $210 million.

Playboy's board of directors revealed in the filing Monday night it had turned down a higher price offer from FriendFinder , indicating the bid's value was less than that of Hefner's all-cash proposal.

Monday night’s SEC filings relative to Playboy can be viewed on its website here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 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

2027 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees Announced for Adult Entertainment Edition

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the adult entertainment industry edition of the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Friday, Jan. 8, in conjunction with the XBIZ 2027 event series.

Jennifer White Fronts Dorcel's 'Vampire Night'

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White stars with Milan Ponjevic in the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Vampire Night," directed by Ricky Greenwood.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Effective Parenting' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers with children.

Armani Black Leads Latest From Elegant Angel

Armani Black stars with Jax Slayer in the latest release from Elegant Angel, titled "Candy for the Boogeyman."

Octavia Red, Abigaiil Morris Star in Latest From Brazzers

Octavia Red and Abigaiil Morris star with Van Wylde in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Never Have I Ever."

XMA Nominations Party Set for Nov. 17 at Avalon Hollywood

A night that sets the stage for the flagship XMAs, this year’s nominations reveal party will take place at Avalon Hollywood on Tuesday, Nov. 17, with red-carpet arrivals starting at 8 p.m.

BrattyGirls.com Launches Through PAYSITE

Producer Robert Peru has launched his newest membership site, BrattyGirls, through PAYSITE.

Octavia Red, Kate Dalia Topllne Latest 'Lesbian Roommates' From Sweetheart Video

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Octavia Red and Kate Dalia headline the second volume of "Lesbian Roommates," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Arcom Issues Warnings to 3 Adult Sites Over Age Verification

French media regulator Arcom has issued formal notices to the providers of three adult websites that the agency says have failed to implement age verification as required under French law.

Elise London Makes Her MILFY Debut

Elise London has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio, starring in MILFY alongside Derek Savage.

Show More