Press Releases

The BBC today announces the return of Stephanie Flanders in the role of Economics Editor.

Hugh Pym will take on the new role of Chief Economics Correspondent.

Stephanie Flanders returns from maternity leave.

She is a former Economics Editor for Newsnight, and speech writer and senior adviser to the United States Treasury, where she worked on the management of emerging market financial crises along with other global economic issues from 1997 to 2001. She was Principal Editor of the United Nations' 2002 Human Development Report in New York before being appointed Economics Correspondent of Newsnight that same year.

Between 1994 and 1997 Stephanie was a leader writer and economics columnist with the Financial Times in London. She has also worked as a reporter for the New York Times.

Stephanie said: "My daughter's timing could have been better. It's been tough watching such a big story from home, especially when Hugh has done such a great job. But I think the state of the economy is going to leave me plenty more to do."

Hugh Pym took on the role of acting Economics Editor while Stephanie was on maternity leave in 2008 covering the financial crisis and economic downturn.

Between 2001 and 2008 Hugh was BBC Business and Economics Correspondent and has previously worked as a financial and political journalist.

Hugh said: "It has been an immensely challenging time for the economy and will be for some time. Having held the Economics Editor post during Stephanie's absence on maternity leave, I now look forward to working closely with her and Robert Peston in the new role of Chief Economics Correspondent.

"We will strive to make sense to viewers, listeners and online users the complex and fast moving developments across the UK and global economies."

Jeremy Hillman, Editor of the Economics and Business Centre in BBC News, said: "I am delighted Stephanie is coming back at what looks like being a tough and challenging time for the global and UK economy. Together with Hugh Pym, Robert Peston and other senior colleagues I believe we have one of the strongest, most well connected business and economics teams anywhere in journalism."

PH