Roger Lynch Exits Condé Nast for Mattel CEO Role

A New Chapter for a Media Giant

Roger Lynch is leaving his role as chief executive of Condé Nast after seven and a half years to take the top job at Mattel. His departure marks the end of a period that saw the global publisher return to profitability and undergo a sweeping structural overhaul.

Lynch will remain on the Condé Nast board, while Mike Perlis, the company’s lead independent director, steps in as interim CEO. The board has begun the search for a permanent successor, with Perlis working closely with the existing executive leadership team during the transition.

Building a Stronger Company

Reflecting on his tenure, Lynch said he had joined Condé Nast with the ambition of leaving the business “stronger than I found it”. He highlighted the merger of its US and international operations into a single unified company, alongside significant growth in consumer, commerce, subscription and events businesses.

Since 2020, Condé Nast’s commerce revenue has grown by 170 percent, digital subscriptions have risen by 155 percent, and US tentpole events have increased ninefold, according to Lynch. He also pointed to the launch of the company’s Middle East operations in Dubai – its first new office in 16 years.

“As we close the third quarter, the company is on track for another year of revenue and profit growth,” Lynch said, adding that new digital initiatives such as Vette and events like Vogue World would be key future growth drivers.

From Pandora to Publishing

Lynch joined Condé Nast in 2019 after serving as CEO of Pandora and as founding CEO of Sling TV. He subsequently oversaw the integration of the company’s US and international businesses and promoted Vogue editor Anna Wintour to global chief content officer. Under his leadership, Condé Nast introduced global editorial leadership across brands including Vogue, GQ, Architectural Digest and Condé Nast Traveller, while expanding its video and ecommerce operations.

Challenges and Labour Relations

His tenure was not without difficulties. Condé Nast faced labour disputes, with more than 400 unionised employees staging a 24-hour walkout in January 2024 following proposed layoffs and contract negotiations. The Condé Nast Union later threatened to disrupt the Met Gala, before a first contract agreement was reached hours before the May 2024 event.

The agreement established a 61,500 dollars starting salary floor, 3.3 million to 3.6 million dollars in wage increases, expanded parental leave and additional job protections. In May 2026, Condé Nast also agreed to pay more than 400,000 dollars to settle a case involving three journalists dismissed after confronting the company’s chief people officer over layoffs.

What Next for Condé Nast?

As Lynch moves to Mattel, Condé Nast enters a period of transition. The board’s search for a permanent CEO will be closely watched, as will the interim leadership of Mike Perlis. The company’s recent financial trajectory and its focus on digital innovation and live events suggest a foundation for continued growth, but the challenges of a rapidly changing media landscape remain.

For now, Lynch leaves behind a business that is larger, more integrated and more profitable than when he arrived – a legacy that will shape Condé Nast’s next chapter.