Available to book

Former FT editor & global affairs expert

Lionel Barber

Sustainability

Business Strategy

Entrepreneurship

Navigate the complexities of today's global political landscape to enhance your strategic decision-making with Lionel Barber, speaker, former editor of the Financial Times.

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Trusted by The New European, Tate, Carnegie Corporation of New York

Lionel Barber

London, United Kingdom

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Book Lionel

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

Contact PepTalk for fees

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Lionel Now

Instant quote

•

No upfront fee

•

Vetted speaker

Speaker Biography

Journalist

Business Leader

Author

At a Glance

Former Editor of the Financial Times
Advocate for integrated newsroom practices
Renowned speaker on global economic issues

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.

Topics, Sessions and Talks

Navigating Global Affairs And Media Innovation

Join Lionel Barber, the former Editor of the Financial Times (2005-2020), as he delves into foreign policy, global economic trends, and the evolving landscape of journalism amidst technological upheaval. Gain insights from a seasoned expert at the intersection of global affairs and media innovation.

What Makes A Great Businessman Or Woman?

Lionel Barber discusses the key qualities and strategies that define successful entrepreneurs, emphasizing adaptability, vision, and ethical leadership in the modern business landscape.

The Global Political Landscape Of Today

Lionel Barber discusses the complexities of current global politics, focusing on power shifts, challenges, and the impact on international relations and diplomacy.

Why We Recommend Booking Lionel

Book Lionel Barber to gain invaluable insights on navigating today’s complex global landscape. His expertise on democracy, geopolitics, and business strategy will empower your team to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing environment. Don’t miss this opportunity.

Check Lionel's availability

Trusted by The New European, Tate, Carnegie Corporation of New York

frequently asked questions

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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.

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. As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Lionel Barber for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Lionel Barber's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Lionel Barber directly.

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