Playboy Enterprises elects Flanders as CEO

In a historic announcement, Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (PEI) has announced the election of Indiana Law alumnus Scott N. Flanders as its chief executive officer and member of its board of directors. Flanders, JD'82, will become the first non-Hefner to serve as CEO in the company's 56-year history when his new roles begin on July 1.

Flanders was selected after an extensive five-month search by the company's board of directors. He joins PEI after serving three years as president and CEO of Freedom Communications, a California-based media company. Flanders will oversee PEI's strategic direction and business operations.

"This is a particularly exciting time to assume the role of CEO," Flanders said. "The evolution of the media industry and the global recession's effect on consumer spending intensify the need for a creative and effective business model. I look forward to working with Hugh Hefner, David Chemerow, and the employee team to take Playboy to the next level."

Flanders has served on the IU Maurer School of Law's Board of Visitors since 2004, and currently serves as its chair. He recently returned to Bloomington to participate in FutureFirm 1.0, a collaborative conference that brought together legal minds from across the country to envision the law firm of the future.

Lauren Robel, dean and Val Nolan Professor of Law, congratulated Flanders on his new job, and said she looks forward to continue working closely with him and the Board of Visitors.

"Scott is a visionary whose effectiveness is unparalleled," Robel said. "He knows just how much to listen, and how to cut through quickly to the most important issues. We have been extraordinarily lucky to have his leadership on our Board of Visitors, and I am wishing him the best in this exciting new position."