BBC economics editor Stephanie Flanders is to leave the corporation to take up a job at JP Morgan Asset Management as chief markets strategist for UK and Europe.
Flanders joined the BBC in 2002 and has been in her current job for five years. She will continue to present Radio 4’s Start the Week before taking up her new position in November.
In a blog post announcing her departure from the BBC, Flanders hinted that she would continue to write about economics in her new job.
“Though we haven't worked out the details, I promise in future you'll still be able to find out what I'm thinking about the world, if you want to,” she wrote. “But from now on, it won't be at the BBC.”
Talking about her role at the US banking giant, she added: “In many ways, I will be doing the same thing in my new job at JP Morgan Asset Management that I have been doing as economics editor: explaining what is happening in the economy and markets, and why it matters.
“What will be different, in my new role, is that I will have more time and resources to develop my own ideas – and get a deeper understanding of the markets, inside one of the most experienced financial institutions in the world.
"I will even (shock) be permitted to have an opinion – my own view. At least, if I can remember how, after 11 years of trying to avoid them.”
The BBC’s head of business and economics Jon Zilkha said of Flanders: “She will be a great loss both to all of us in the unit, where her guidance and leadership on the economics brief have been truly exceptional, and to all our viewers, listeners and readers for whom she has always offered the clearest and best analysis.
"We really have been very fortunate to be able to rely on her great authority and commitment in our coverage."
Robert Peston, business editor at the corporation, added: “She has made an enormous contribution to the BBC, because of the authority and clarity of her journalism. We all wish her well in her new and challenging role, but I will feel the loss of an always stimulating and supportive colleague.”
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