Hugh Hefner - Hugh Hefner Moving Playboy To Los Angeles

Hugh Hefner has announced that he is relocating Playboy magazine from Chicago to Los Angeles. Founded by Hugh Hefner himself in Chicago, the move will be a huge investment into the magazine's future.

Playboy spokeswoman Theresa Hennessey said: 'As of May 2012, Playboy magazine's edItorial, art and photo departments will be based out of the company's Los Angeles office. Some of the magazine's Chicago employees have been asked to relocate, while others have been asked to stay on in Chicago to ensure a seamless transition.' Chicago has been the base of operations since the first issue, which Marilyn Monroe graced the cover of, back in 1953. The move means that the magazine will be closer to Hefner who has lived in the Playboy Mansion in LA for decades. He has since created a publicity machine for the party palace and the Rabbit head logo, with the original Playboy mansion in Chicago having been converted into condos. This move aims to expand the brand even further for 2012.

The company are yet to reveal what will happen to the remaining staff of the Chicago operations within departments of It, accounting and human resources, with Hennessey stating: 'No final decisions have been made yet regarding the future of other departments currently based in Chicago'. This year, Hefner made the company private by being purchased by Icon Acquisition Holdings.