FT Editor Steps Down Citing ‘Strategic Differences’

Andrew Gowers, editor of the Financial Times, announced his resignation today, citing “strategic differences” with the paper’s management.

Chief executive of FT owner Pearson, Majorie Scardino, stated that Gowers’ departure was not a sign that the title would soon be put up for sale, however, challenging rumours that have encircled the newspaper for many months (see Pearson Will Not Sell Financial Times).

Gowers, who has been editor of the newspaper since September 2001, will be replaced by FT US managing editor Lionel Barber with immediate effect.

Commenting on Gowers’ resignation, Scardino said: “We’re very grateful to Andrew for his distinguished 22-year career at the FT. As editor he led the integration of print and online media and extended our international reach and steered the FT through the most difficult markets in its history.”

Earlier this week Pearson released a trading update, stating that advertising revenues had risen, and that the FT is now on track to break even for the full year (see Pearson Optimistic As FT Faces Break Even).

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