ECKO CHAMBER: Complex, the men’s style magazine founded by Marc Ecko, has opted for an internal candidate to replace departed editor in chief Jimmy Jellinek. Deputy editor Richard Martin, who’s been with the 325,000-circulation title since its 2002 launch, will take over for Jellinek, who left last month to become editor in chief of Stuff. Martin said his goal will be to clarify what Complex stands for in the minds of readers, who are sometimes confused by the dual focus on shopping and entertainment. “Some people love that and appreciate it, but some don’t quite get it,” he said. The ample coverage of hip-hop culture and action sports helps differentiate it from newer product-focused magazines such as Condé Nast’s Cargo and Ziff Davis’ Sync. “I don’t think a guy would read a straight-up shopping magazine,” he said. “Condé Nast may feel differently.”
Martin was one of several candidates considered for the job, along with GQ style editor Adam Rapoport and Orlando Lima, former executive editor of Vibe. Rapoport was offered the job last week but turned it down after GQ editor in chief Jim Nelson convinced him to stay.