Hearst officially announced Michael Hainey as the executive editor of editorial for Esquire and editor-at-large for Town & Country with a May 11 start date. “Michael is an extraordinarily talented editor with an experienced feel for the art of great magazine making,” recently appointed Esquire EIC Jay Fielden said in a statement. “Esquire is a place where his many gifts will shine more brightly than ever and, in turn, so will the brand itself. Having him on board—as a thinker, writer, innovator, and partner—raises the equation of what we can do at both titles to a new power.”
Earlier this week The Daily exclusively reported that Hainey was said to be joining the Esquire team in a “number two” position. Hainey was most recently editor-at-large at GQ and was the title’s deputy editor from 2003 to 2015. In 2009, Hainey oversaw the launch of GQ.com, and led the digital team for five years. He is also the author of The New York Times Bestseller “After Visiting Friends,” which was named one of NPR’s best books of the year and is currently being adapted into a movie. He’s at work on a new novel, as well as a non-fiction book.
“Esquire and Town & Country are dynamic titles, and each possesses a great heritage,” Hainey said in a statement today. “I’m grateful to have this rare opportunity—and I’m honored to collaborate with Jay. I am excited, too, to be working with his ambitious, smart teams and the incredible roster of contributors. I’m eager to create innovative work that adds to these rich legacies—and, most of all, inspires a new generation of intelligent, confident readers.”
