National Geographic Replaces Editor

The editor of National Geographic magazine was replaced suddenly Monday and neither he nor the society that publishes the magazine was saying whether he was fired.

“I just don’t know the circumstances well enough to deal with it,” said Wilbur E. Garrett, 59, who had been editor since 1980.

Garrett was replaced by William T. E. Graves, 63, who has been a senior member of the magazine’s editorial staff for 12 years.

Graves becomes the eighth editor in the 102-year history of the publication that has explored the world and the creatures that inhabit it. The magazine is sent to the 10 million members of the National Geographic Society.

Garrett said there had been some “personality conflicts” and some differences of opinion at the magazine, but he would not elaborate on the circumstances of his abrupt departure.

“I think it’s one of those situations which is not really quite explainable yet,” he said.

Robert Sims, a spokesman for the society, said Garrett’s departure and Graves’ promotion take effect immediately.

When asked whether Garrett had been fired, Sims replied: “All I can say is what I’ve said, is that he’s leaving.”

Gilbert M. Grosvenor, president of the National Geographic Society and chairman of its board, issued a statement praising both Garrett and Graves.