Lionel Barber is a prominent British journalist, writer, and former editor of the Financial Times (FT). He has made significant contributions to the field over the past four decades.
Barber began his career in 1978 as a reporter for The Scotsman, later joining The Sunday Times as a business correspondent in 1981. In 1985, he joined the Financial Times as a business reporter, advancing through roles such as Washington correspondent, Brussels bureau chief, news editor, and European editor.
From 2005 to 2020, Barber served as editor of the Financial Times. He transformed the FT into a multi-channel global news organisation, integrating print and digital formats. Under his leadership, the FT received numerous global awards for journalism, including three "Newspaper of the Year" awards in Britain. The FT's paying readership more than doubled to 1.1 million during his tenure, driven by a digital revolution.
The FT gained international recognition as a leading business news organisation known for its integrity and accuracy. Barber has received several prestigious awards, including the Laurence Stern Fellowship at the Washington Post in 1985, a Woodrow Wilson Foundation fellowship in 1991, and the St George Society medal of honour in 2009 for his contributions to journalism.
As editor, Barber interviewed many world leaders, including US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Hassan Rouhani, and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. He has co-written several books, including "The Price of Truth: Story of the Reuters Millions."
After stepping down as editor in January 2020, Barber has remained active in journalism and public speaking. He is an investor and senior advisor to The New European and serves on the Board of Trustees at the Tate and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. His memoir, "The Powerful and the Damned: Private Diaries in Turbulent Times," was published in November 2020. Barber is a sought-after speaker on foreign policy, international economic policy, and the future of journalism.
How can I book Lionel Barber for my next event?
Email lionel.barber@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
Please note: we can only assist with speaking requests. For anything else, we recommend reaching out to Lionel directly.
What topics does Lionel Barber specialise in?
Lionel Barber specialises in discussing journalism, international economic policy, foreign policy and more.
What is Lionel Barber's speaking style like?
Lionel Barber delivers insightful commentary with authority and clarity, drawing on decades of experience in journalism. His engaging style captivates audiences, making complex topics accessible and relevant.
Does Lionel Barber offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Lionel Barber offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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