Gutfeld leaves Maxim after circulation dropped 16.2%

Gutfeld said that the title was "in great shape", despite its circulation falling by 16.2% from 227,377 to 190,438 in the ABC figures for the second half of 2005.

Gutfeld said: "I am leaving Maxim UK effective May 24. I was asked to come to Maxim to re-invent it, to give it a voice and make it an innovative read in a dull market. I did that. But if I have to look at Jennifer Ellison's breasts one more time, I will have a seizure. Maxim is in great shape, which is more than I can say for the men's market generally, or for myself personally. I have put on 20 pounds."

The American had previously enjoyed circulation success at Maxim, which he joined in May 2004 from Dennis' US arm, where he was director of brand development for Stuff magazine.

A year earlier, he stood down as editor of Stuff after being involved in controversial incidents including a public slanging match with GQ editor Art Cooper.

"I think I'm going to spend some time as editor-in-chief of my life. I have a book to write and a new wife who wants to know what my middle name is. I plan on staying in London for the time being, if only because I am banned from air travel," he said.
 
"I have been fortunate throughout my career to be surrounded by smart, funny people, and never more so than at Maxim UK. I leave with fond memories, an embarrassing photo of Felix [Dennis] without his pants on and a new MP3 player."

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