FHM editor Colin Kennedy has left the Bauer Media title little over two years after he took on the role.
His departure, which comes ahead of a revamp of FHM aimed at halting its declining sales, is to enable him to pursue consulting opportunities, Bauer said.
He said: “I’d like to thank everyone I’ve worked with, past and present, they are the most passionate people in media and I’m proud to have called them colleagues. I wish the FHM teams the very best of luck for the future.”
Kennedy took the helm at the flagging FHM in May, 2009 – replacing Anthony Noguera, who left the previous April – when he was promoted from his role as Bauer’s digital creative director.
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Kennedy’s appointment came at a difficult time for the men’s magazine market. Prior to him becoming editor FHM circulation had fallen 13.5 per cent year on year to 272,545 in the second half of 2008. Arena and Maxim had also just closed.
FHM has been suffering a heavy sales decline and was deposed as the biggest selling men’s magazine by Men’s Health in 2009.
According to the most recent figures available from the Audit Bureau of Circulations, FHM’s sale decline has increased.
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The magazine recorded a fall in circulation of 18.1 per cent year on year to an average monthly sale of 192,586 in the first six months of last year.
However, it remained the second biggest selling men’s magazine behind Men’s Health.
Geoff Campbell, managing director of Men’s Lifestyle, Bauer Media, said: “Colin has made an invaluable contribution to some of our most famous brands during his time at Bauer Media.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Colin for his considerable efforts leading the team at FHM and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
A search for his successor is underway.
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