Neil Griffiths Appointed Editor-In-Chief Of Rolling Stone Australia

Neil Griffiths has been appointed the new Editor-In-Chief of Rolling Stone Australia, stepping into the role following Poppy Reid’s departure in September. In addition to announcing Griffiths’ new role, The Brag Media has revealed that Jack Castles is the new Head of NSW Partnerships.

Griffiths joins The Brag Media with over a decade of experience in media and entertainment, beginning the new role in January 2025. Griffiths hosts the music and entertainment podcast The Plug, was previously the Head of Online News and Content at The Music, and has been the Managing Editor of Mumbrella since October 2023.

According to a press release, Griffiths will work alongside The Brag Media’s Head of Content, Lars Brandle, to oversee the Rolling Stone Australia editorial team and shape its content strategy. With Griffiths’ appointment, Conor Lochrie is now the publication’s Deputy Editor.

• Luke Girgis Departs The Brag Media, Jessica Hunter & Lars Brandle Promoted

Describing his new appointment at The Brag Media as a “bucket list opportunity,” Griffiths said of the role in a press release: “I have been a lifelong fan of Rolling Stone. The chance to join this iconic brand and the Australian team is a culmination of everything I have worked towards in my career to date.

“I vividly remember the first time I picked up a Rolling Stone mag in August 2000 and was hooked instantly. This truly is a bucket list opportunity.”

Griffiths added, “I've had an incredible year at Mumbrella and am so thankful to them for putting their trust in me to lead the editorial team. Everyone on the Mumbrella team are experts in their craft and I look forward to continuing to follow their industry-leading work. Looking ahead, I'm eager to join the Rolling Stone team to help continue to build on its extraordinary legacy.”

Meanwhile, Jack Castles will report directly to Batoul Peters, Head of National Partnerships, in his new role as Head of NSW Partnerships. Castles joined The Brag Media last June as the company’s Partnerships Manager. He’s secured and maintained partnerships with brands such as Paramount Pictures, eBay, nib, and BWS. 

Castles said of his promotion: “Over the past year, The Brag Media has undergone a significant transformation and solidified our position as the leading authority in youth culture. We have elevated our offerings to clients and agency partners.

“A major catalyst for both the business' growth and my personal development has been the dynamic leadership of Jessica Hunter and Batoul Peters. Their influence is undeniable — they’re a force to be reckoned with. Beyond their business acumen, they champion a culture of diversity and inclusion, which aligns perfectly with our ‘Inspire, Not Divide’ publishing philosophy.”

Jessica Hunter, the Head of The Brag Media, said the new strategic appointments “reaffirm our commitment to strengthening and investing in both our content and commercial teams.”

Hunter continued, “Neil Griffiths, with his extensive experience in digital and magazine publishing and his passion for storytelling, supported by Lars Brandle, Head of Content, Conor Lochrie in his new role as Deputy Editor and the talented content team, will undoubtedly elevate Rolling Stone Australia to new heights.

“Meanwhile, Jack Castles' strategic leadership continues to strengthen and expand our commercial partnerships. Together alongside The Brag Media Team, this group is poised to drive innovation, creativity, and growth throughout our business.”