The Financial Times has appointed Jim Pickard as commercial property correspondent.
Pickard joined the FT in 1999 as Wales and West of England correspondent and subsequently became assistant UK news editor.
He began his journalistic career as a business reporter for the Bristol-based Western Daily Press.
He then freelanced for The Times, The Independent, FHM and various trade titles.
Pickard said: “The coming year will be a very exciting time for commercial property in many ways and I am very enthusiastic about returning to writing.”
Financial editor Deborah Hargreaves said: “Jim’s mastery of the UK news agenda and his regional experience will bring a new perspective to the job of commercial property correspondent.”
Pickard replaces Juliana Ratner, who has moved to the private equity firm Apax Partners.
He takes up his position this summer.
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