Editors of economics journal resign after Elsevier doesn’t renew EIC’s contract

Six editors and approximately 60 advisory editors of the economics journal Games and Economic Behavior have resigned following the publisher Elsevier's decision not to renew the contract of the journal's editor-in-chief, Hervé Moulin. In July, Elsevier informed Moulin that his six-year tenure as editor-in-chief would conclude in December.

Moulin expressed disappointment, as he had wanted to continue in his role. Within weeks, six of the journal's editors resigned, with another 58 of the 62 advisory editors following suit by August 19. Elsevier cited a desire for "closer alignment with strategic priorities and publishing policies" as the reason for its decision.

Moulin and the six resigning editors accused Elsevier of dismissing their requests for explanations and ignoring their concerns about the journal's future direction. They were unable to consult with the academic community when Elsevier suggested potential new editors. Moulin resigned at the same time as the others, rather than fulfilling his three-month notice requirement, and Moulin and Roberto Serrano, another resigning editor, expressed frustration with Elsevier's behavior as "arrogant and inappropriate."

Serrano emphasized the need for the editorial board to have input in the decision-making process for future editorial appointments. The publisher responded by stating that leadership transitions are a normal part of a journal's evolution and that their priority is ensuring the journal continues to serve its editors, authors, and the research community well. The resignation of the journal's board of advisory editors marks the seventh mass exodus reported by Retraction Watch this year.