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    Maxim
    Men's lifestyle media

    Maxim

    United States flagUnited States

    "The magazine for the modern man."

    Founded 1995 New York City, United States CEO: Sardar Biglari
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    About

    Maxim launched in the United Kingdom in 1995 before moving its global headquarters to New York City in 1997. British publisher Tim Burton created the concept, which prioritized high-gloss photography of actors and models over traditional journalism. This visual-first strategy positioned the brand as a competitor to FHM and GQ, though it carved out a specific niche with a casual lad mag aesthetic that blended entertainment news with fashion.

    The publication achieved massive scale by distributing editions across 75 countries at its peak. Monthly print circulation reached approximately 9 million readers while the digital platform attracted over 4 million unique visitors each month. The brand is best known for its annual Hot 100 list, which recently marked its 30th anniversary in 2025 by celebrating rising stars alongside established icons.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Maxim MagazineHot 100 ListMaxim Growth SummitDom Pérignon x Damien Hirst Collaboration

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who owns Maxim magazine?
    Billionaire investor Sardar Biglari controls Maxim through his company Biglari Holdings after purchasing the parent company from Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2013.
    Is Maxim magazine still in business?
    Yes, the brand remains active as a digital-first media outlet that hosts events and manages licensing deals despite scaling back several international print editions.
    What distinguishes Maxim from FHM?
    While both were men's lifestyle magazines, Maxim focused heavily on Hollywood celebrities and pop culture whereas FHM often emphasized sports and broader lad culture before ceasing publication in many markets.
    Who is the editor-in-chief of Maxim?
    Sardar Biglari serves as the Editor-in-Chief as of 2026, overseeing the editorial direction and digital strategy for the brand.
    Does Maxim have a Hot 100 list?
    Yes, the Maxim Hot 100 is an annual feature celebrating the top 100 hottest people in entertainment which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025.

    Keywords

    men's magazinelifestylecelebrityhot 100sardar biglaritim burtonlad mag

    Sources

    WikipediaOfficial WebsiteReutersMaxim Hot 100Instagram

    Company Info

    Founded
    1995
    Founder
    Tim Burton
    CEO
    Sardar Biglari
    Headquarters
    New York City, United States
    Industry
    Men's lifestyle media
    Parent Company
    Maxim Media Inc.
    Global Headquarters
    New York City
    Countries Distributed
    75
    Peak Print Circulation
    9 million monthly
    Digital Visitors
    4 million monthly
    Acquisition Year
    2013
    Starbucks Business Sale
    $340 million (2026)

    Official Website

    www.maxim.com/

    Links

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