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Wallpaper: founder Brule steps down

The Wallpaper brand entered a new era this week when its founder and editorial director Tyler Brûlé stepped down after months of wrangling with new owner IPC Media.

His departure prompted a mini exodus with four staff leaving the title to join Brûlé as he focuses on his Time-owned contract publishing and creative consultancy Wink Media.

"I leave Wallpaper happy," Brûlé told Media Week. "I'm glad to be working with people I feel are excellent stewards for what Time Inc is about."

He announced a number of plans including building up its fashion portfolio, particularly mid-range clients.

He is also taking on Wallpaper managing fashion editor Emma Malmros, account manager Pam Arthurs and ad assistant Alex Cook.

"Wink has been ramping up in the last six months and turning into a 3D business. It's proved to be more interesting than doing mags," he said. 

Christina Ferrari, founder of Time's Teen People, has been appointed acting editorial director and the company said there will be no change in direction.

Mike Soutar, managing director of IPC Ignite!, which houses Wallpaper, denied a shift towards the celebrity market was on the cards. "What's really important is making sure the editorial direction remains focused and that the magazine continues to evolve. Christina will bring stability and continuity," he said.

But with many of its staff siding with its founder and departing the company, industry observers believe the spirit of the title will inevitably change.

"I can't imagine its long-term future," one said. "It is so associated with Tyler. Many advertisers are in there because of him."