Bon Appetit Moving to New York; Editor Barbara Fairchild Stepping Down.
Later this year Bon Appetit will relocate its headquarters to New York from Los Angeles, where it has been based for more than 30 years, Condé Nast announced today. Additionally, while longtime Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild has agreed to shepherd the move to New York, she’ll exit her post once the transition is complete. After 32 years with the publication, Fairchild is stepping down to “pursue other opportunities.” Although this includes “future projects for Condé Nast,” according to a press release issued today by the office of Condé CEO Charles Townsend, it’s reasonable to speculate that Fairchild wasn’t a supporter of the move. She recently spoke about the importance of Bon Appetit’s West Coast perspective
“The move of Bon Appétit’s editorial headquarters to New York is part of the company’s continuing efforts to strategically align our brands for future growth and to enhance efficiencies and coordination by consolidating our assets,” said Townsend.
Click here for a recent interview with Barbara “Call Me Babs” Fairchild — one of our favorite folks in the entire world of food.
Babs, we hate to see you go….
Many thanks to Patricia Thacker (The Official Ex-Wife of ELV and Food Gal #1) for catching this news before we did.
Many changes in the major food press over the last couple years. Obviously the explosion of online media has had a big effect on this, generally. Fairchild was an important presence–and hopefully will continue being so–but the food work has changed significantly during her tenure.
Wow, much to decipher through with this news. Barbara is a gracious, intelligent lady and her stewardship of Bon Appetit over the years has impacted how America cooks and dines. (Not to mention her tireless efforts related to Vegas Uncork’d). But with change comes new opportunity so here’s to tipping a glass and toasting Barbara’s future.