Manson, who is being replaced by his deputy Martin Daubney, joined Loaded in April 2001 and took over as editor from former Chat editor Keith Kendrick in October last year.
Daubney joined Loaded from the News of the World in February and will be regarded as a more than capable replacement for Manson. Loaded publisher, Time Inc-owned IPC Media, will be hoping he can use his experience to turn the magazine around.
He previously edited the Sunday newspaper's risque sports pages Sin Bin, is a former features editor of Loaded rival FHM and a former editor of Page3.com.
According to Daubney: "I am knocked out to be taking over the most famous and iconic name in men's magazines. Scott is handing me a great team and a brilliant editorial package and I have a ton of new ideas of my own. I was born to do this job."
Manson is leaving to work on a new youth magazine project, which is being developed independently. His move is not a surprise to IPC, which says it has known about his plans for three months.
Eric Fuller, IPC Ignite! group publishing director, said: "Our succession planning has been flawless. Martin has exactly the right background and experience to edit Loaded, boundless energy, original ideas and natural leadership skills. He will be an outstanding editor."
As editor, Manson made a series of hirings, including Daubney, aimed at turning the title around and used a series of promotions aimed at boosting sales.
However, despite these changes, the magazine's circulation continues to fall. In the January to June 2003 ABCs, Loaded's circulation dropped 15.2% over the year to 261,937, a fall of 9.7% since December 2002.
"I have had an amazing two-and-a-half years on Loaded and we have made some great editorial progress in that time. But now I'm ready to go it alone with my own idea and I need to dedicate all my time to making it happen," Manson said.
Prior to editing Ministry, Manson worked for the Sunday Times, The Guardian, Mixmag and Time Out. He leaves IPC in September.
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