• by January 7, 2020

Stefano Tonchi this week was named the first Chief Creative Officer of storied French fashion magazine L'Officiel, marking a comeback since his ouster from W magazine last year in an acrimonious dispute.

Tonchi makes a good match for L'Officiel as the publication aims to reinvent itself as a digital lifestyle hub with a global presence.

In his new role, Tonchi has an expanded purview that includes publications in France, Brazil, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the U.S., with plans to the bring the title to Japan, the U.K., Australia and Nigeria in the next two years, WWD reported.

L'Officiel, which is preparing to celebrate its 100^thanniversary next year, is published by Jalou Media Group. The family-owned company is run by the descendants of the late George Jalou, an artistic director who bought the magazine in the 1930s.

Asset manager Gem Investments Group has plowed money into the company to support its expansion into the U.S. and digital growth.

Tonchi last year was ousted from W as Conde Nast sold the publication to Surface Media. He subsequently sued parent company Advance Publications for wrongful termination and claimed more than $1 million in damages. Conde Nast countersued Tonchi, and sought the dismissal of his suit.

The legal dispute is ongoing.