One of the most well-known and controversial media brands is making Florida its new home.
Playboy announced on Aug. 13 that it will relocate its global corporate headquarters from Los Angeles to Florida.
In a press release, Playboy officials said the move reflects the company’s commitment to aligning with one of the nation’s most dynamic, culturally relevant and business-friendly cities — Miami Beach. It also stated that this decision comes as they aim to reclaim their position as “one of the world’s most enduring and influential lifestyle and media brands.”
“Miami Beach is among the most dynamic and culturally influential cities in the country, making it the ideal home for Playboy’s next chapter,” Ben Kohn, CEO of Playboy, Inc., said in a statement.
“Our vision is to create world-class content and experiences that resonate globally, and Miami Beach provides the perfect environment for that ambition. The City of Miami Beach has been an outstanding partner throughout this process—its vibrancy, pro-business approach, and quality of life make it an extraordinary home for our employees and for our future.”
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What is Playboy? A magazine started by the late Hugh Hefner
Playboy was an American men’s lifestyle and entertainment magazine founded in Chicago in 1953 by entrepreneur and publisher Hugh Hefner. It focused on revealing photographs and articles of women, referred to as “playmates” or “bunnies.”
Over the decades, the Playboy brand grew into a global media and entertainment empire, opening Playboy clubs, filming TV specials and seeing celebrities grace its cover. According to the New York Times, the magazine saw a circulation rate of seven million at its peak in 1971.
Hefner died at age 91 in 2017. In 2020, the company announced it would cease its print operations and be exclusively online; however, they have since announced in 2024 that an “annual print edition” will return.
Since its beginning, the brand has drawn criticism and controversy for “over-sexualizing women and promoting a misogynistic culture.” Former playmates and employees have also come out to share their stories of alleged mistreatment and sexual harassment by Hefner and the company.
In response to a 2022 documentary detailing the appalling accusations against Hefner and the company, Playboy issued a statement noting that “today’s Playboy is not Hefner’s Playboy.”
“We trust and validate these women and their stories and we strongly support those individuals who have come forward to share their experiences,” Playboy said in the statement. “It is critically important that we listen.”
Where will the new Playboy Global Headquarters be located?
According to a press release, the new global headquarters will be located at Rivani Miami Beach, a development at 1691 Michigan Ave.
It states the move will establish a content studio to support Playboy’s growing creator network, with the company saying it will produce original multimedia content across digital platforms, including podcasts, photography and other media ventures.
“As Miami Beach continues to establish itself as one of the premier cities in the world to live, work and conduct business, we are thrilled to welcome Playboy’s global headquarters,” Joseph Magazine, Commissioner of the City of Miami Beach, said about the move.
“This move is expected to bring a significant number of well-paying jobs to our city, and it reinforces our commitment to fostering innovation, cultural vitality and economic growth in partnership with one of the most iconic brands in history.”
New ‘Playboy Club’ coming to Miami
In addition to the move, a new Playboy Club will open in Miami Beach.
The press release details that the club will feature a “world-class restaurant, alongside an exclusive members-only space inspired by the storied Playboy Mansion — bringing the brand’s celebrated heritage to one of the most vibrant destinations in the world.”
According to Miami New Times, Miami was previously home to a Playboy Club from 1961 to 1985.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Playboy sets up new global HQ in Florida’s Miami Beach
