October 18, 2013

After eight years as BBC business editor Robert Peston to take over economics beat from Stephanie Flanders

After an illustrious eight years as business editor of the BBC Robert Peston is moving sideways to the job of economics editor.

He replaces Steephanie Flanders, who is leaving journalism to work for the bank JP Morgan.

Peston said: "I am excited by the prospect of trying to get underneath what's going on in the British economy and global economy, especially in the run-up to the 2015 general election."

Before joining BBC News, Peston was political editor and financial editor at the Financial Times, and city editor at the Sunday Telegraph.

Jon Zilkha, editor of the BBC Business and Economics Unit, said: "With debate about the state of the economy and the cost of living likely to be central to our agenda in the run-up to the next election, it is clear Robert has the ideal combination of economic and financial expertise, political insight and broadcasting flair to give our audiences and programmes the best service in the years ahead."

The BBC is recruiting a new business editor.

In 2010 Peston was named the top business journalist in the UK in a Press Gazette poll.