Asad Syrkett Named Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Decor
Hearst has announced that Asad Syrkett has been appointed editor-in-chief of the U.S. edition of ELLE DECOR, leading content strategy across the brand’s print and digital platforms.
The announcement was made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz, Hearst Magazines Acting President Debi Chirichella and Hearst Magazines Chief Content Officer Kate Lewis. Syrkett will report to Stellene Volandes who was named editorial director of ELLE DECOR in April. He begins his new role September 14.
Kate Lewis, Chief Content Officer, Hearst Magazines: “ELLE DECOR is the global authority on world-class interiors that also informs its audience how great design can be reflected in their own lives. Asad has the knowledge, experience and ability to navigate this category and take this legendary design brand into its next evolution.”
Syrkett most recently ran all New York operations for Hem, an international furniture brand and design studio based in Stockholm, Sweden. Previously, he was deputy editor at the design and cities website Curbed, managing the site's senior reporting and editing staff as well as all special projects. He has also held editorial positions at Architectural Digest and Architectural Record magazines.
A 2017 Folio: 30 Under 30 honoree, Syrkett has, among other appearances, guest lectured for a Harvard Graduate School of Design seminar, appeared on panels for NYCxDESIGN, Design Miami and South by Southwest (SXSW), and co-hosted two seasons of a weekly design podcast, “The Curbed Appeal.”
Stellene Volandes, editorial director, ELLE DÉCOR: “Asad believes deeply, as do I, that like in a brilliantly designed room, every single detail of ELLE DECOR matters. He brings a singular combination of respect and reverence for all that ELLE DECOR is, with an exciting vision of all that it will and can be. Every element from the photography, to the feature writing, digital programs, social media and client events will work together to celebrate great design and its impact on every aspect of our world. I’m so proud and excited to be working with him on the next chapter of this visionary brand."
Asad Syrkett, editor-in-chief U.S. edition, ELLE DÉCOR: “Leading ELLE DECOR into a new era while building on its incredible legacy of celebrating the best in design and interiors is incredibly thrilling,” Syrkett said. “In any genre, the most impactful journalism offers context, challenges its audience and explores its subjects in nuanced ways that enrich the reader’s perspective. I’m excited to bring that to a best-in-class interiors magazine, on every platform.”
Born in Massachusetts and raised in and around New York City, Syrkett attended Columbia University and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
