Bauer appoints Zhukova as new editor of POP
Bauer Media has appointed Dasha Zhukova as editor-in-chief of POP magazine, which has recently moved to new offices in London and Berlin.
Zhukova, the co-founder of fashion label Kova & T and Roman Abramovich’s girlfriend, is set to work alongside editorial director Ashley Heath, who co-launched POP in 2000.
She replaces Katie Grand, the founding editor of POP, who left Bauer last year to launch rival style title LOVE for Condé Nast, which hit newsstands last week (see Condé Nast’s new LOVE).
POP is set to relaunch in September, with a new cover price of £5 and a large print format of 230mm by 300mm.
David Davies, managing director of POP and Bauer Media’s Women’s portfolio, said: “Following a very successful first decade with POP, it was important to take time to find the right people with a groundbreaking vision to make sure POP continued to create a real point of difference in the fashion industry.
“Dasha’s formidable recent track record and reputation worldwide means we have a truly exceptional and talented editor-in-chief to replace Katie Grand and take POP to a whole new level.”
Russian-born Zhukova has no previous magazine editing experience but she is well known in the fashion and art world, and recently founded the Garage Centre for Contemporary Culture, which is Moscow’s largest exhibition venue.
Zhukova said: “I am tremendously excited to take on this challenge. I feel it’s the perfect time to be showcasing and encouraging new energy and talent. I have always admired POP for its visual vibrancy. Extending its remit for a new era is a stimulating project for myself and the new team.
“We are working hard on a complete revamp of the magazine in order to provide a broader point of view focusing also on art, contemporary culture and the globalisation of all things pop-related,” she added.
Along with Zhukova’s appointment, Bauer has also set up a POP partnership with The Saatchi Gallery in London as well as appointing a new London team and an editorial board to provide both “guidance and inspiration”.
Heath added: “In a competitive glossy magazine market place, POP is one of a handful of truly iconic brands. These are challenging times and yet they are also extremely exciting.”