It is understood from sources at NatMags that the new magazine Hughes will launch will be similar to Hachette Filipacchi UK's big-selling monthly Red, although a spokeswoman for Conde Nast declined to comment, other than confirming that Hughes was joining the firm.
She said: "I can confirm that he [Hughes] is coming and he will be publisher of a new magazine."
Further details of Hughes's role are set to be revealed by the end of the week.
In the most recent ABCs, Red recorded sales of 196,719, its highest ciruclation since it was launched six years ago by Emap before Hachette took control of the title. Last year, the French publishers was considering a US launch for the UK mag.
Hughes's departure after 11 years at NatMags is the second blow that Conde Nast has inflicted on its rival this year. The latest ABC results showed that Conde Nast's handbag-sized Glamour magazine had maintained its lead over NatMags' flagship women's title Cosmopolitan.
For June to December last year, Glamour had a circulation of 582,690 and recorded a year-on-year rise of 8.4%, while Cosmo's circulation fell, dipping to 460,655.
Meanwhile, NatMags has announced that Hughes has been replaced immediately by his boss, executive group publishing director Liz Kershaw, who had overall responsibility for Good Housekeeping as well as Country Living.
NatMags managing director Duncan Edwards said: "Chris has done a wonderful job for us in various roles over the last 11 years and we wish him every success."
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