Brule's relationship with IPC Media has been under pressure since the Wallpaper Group was brought under the control of IPC Media, which was acquired by Wallpaper parent Time Inc last summer.
However, in the current issue of Wallpaper an editorial by Brule, which ends: "As for me, gentle readers, little more to say than thank you and adieu", has prompted renewed speculation that he is on his way out.
Brule is renowned for his extravagant conduct and way of doing business. His style is a poor fit with the rigid corporate structure of most publishing houses, which have been feeling the pinch due to the advertising downturn.
Brule's future at IPC was most recently put in the spotlight when IPC drafted in Richard Johnstone, former publishing manager of Loaded, as publishing director of Wallpaper and Spruce magazine. Johnstone's arrival was seen to dilute Brule's control of the Wallpaper Group, of which he is CEO.
The issue of how secure Brule's job is at IPC has been ongoing for some time amid constant disagreements about expenses, particularly one reported incident about a disputed £6 taxi fare, which spilled over into the press.
At the time, IPC is reported to have said: "As long as he picks up the tab for his private helicopter rides, then IPC hasn't got a problem with his cab fares."
Brule launched Wallpaper in 1996. It was acquired by Time Inc in 1997.
Despite only having an ABC of 131,994 -- 81,000 of which are overseas readers -- Wallpaper has always been the envy of the publishing sector, largely because of its high-profile image and its low turnover of staff. Once hired, staff are said to seldom leave the title.
Wallpaper is also renowned for having specially designed offices, which comes with its own chef.
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