Playboy Needs a New Playboy

Playboy Enterprises (NYSE:PLA) has chosen Scott N. Flanders, CEO of Freedom Communications, to lead the company founded by Hugh Hefner. It has been noted that Mr. Flanders had engineered the sale of Columbia House to the Blackstone Group, and speculated that his deal-making abilities may have played a role in Playboy’s decision to hire him.

So maybe yes maybe no. Is this company up for sale? No one seems to be bidding up the stock. Where are the arbs when you need them? The brand is tired and needs rejuvenation. Hefner knows it. So who will be the next playboy? The controversy may be similar to selecting a new Bond. Is George Clooney available? Does it have to be a white guy? Can Donald Trump resist the challenge?

If GM can survive well sort of, then what about Playboy?