Complex has announced Aria Hughes as the publications new editor in chief. The role is a step up from her position as executive creative director. Hughes is stepping into a role that’s been vacant for Complex since former editor in chief Maurice Peebles stepped down from the role in March 2022 to join ESPN.
Reflecting on her new role on Instagram, Hughes wrote, “Honored and excited to be named the editor-in-chief at Complex and work alongside [Noah Callahan-Bever] who’s not only an excellent leader but a really good storyteller who informed the way I approached journalism before we even knew each other!
Hughes will oversee newsroom and content strategy alongside Noah Callahan-Bever, who is rejoining the company following a six year hiatus that included a role as executive vice president at Def Jam Recordings. Callahan-Bever was also was Complex’s editor in chief and chief content officer.
Hughes joined Complex in 2019 as deputy style editor. Prior to Complex, Hughes was a men’s reporter at WWD and an associate editor at WGSN.
Complex is in the midst of a period of transformation having been recently been sold off by BuzzFeed and purchased by NTWRK, an online selling platform that sometimes makes use of live sales.
