When I think about Hugh Hefner the man, and the empire which he built, I am happy that in the end he bought back his baby, the iconic magazine and brand, Playboy.
Hugh Hefner is a pioneer and legend, who made the lives of most of us better, whether he was creating an aesthetic level of art for magazine publications and setting the early standard for the industry, supporting free speech and gay rights, or promoting jazz, and more liberal drug laws, specifically with regard to the decriminalization of marijuana, among civil rights, women's rights, and many other social issues.
Hef is a trend setter and a hero of mine...
As for the brand after Hef, I wish them luck, since while the bunny may live on, there will never be another Hef.
In his own words, at age 82:
ADG