Peston to replace Flanders as BBC economics editor

Stephanie Flanders leaves BBC for a role at JP Morgan

Robert Peston will move from his business editor role to replace Flanders as economics editor (BBC/PA)

Robert Peston is to move from his role as the BBC’s business editor to become the corporation’s economics editor.

He will replace Stephanie Flanders, who surprised many by announcing in September that she is leaving the broadcasting world for a role at JP Morgan Asset Management.

Mr Peston, 53, joined the BBC in 2005. Before that he was political editor and financial editor of the Financial Times and city editor of The Sunday Telegraph.

He 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. And it’s thrilling to be taking up a new challenge at the BBC, after eight wonderful years as its business editor.”

Jon Zilkha, editor of the BBC business and economics unit, said the economy was likely to be “central to our agenda” as the election nears, adding: “Robert has the ideal combination of economic and financial expertise, political insight and broadcasting flair to give our audiences… the best service in the years ahead.”

Ms Flanders, who has worked at the BBC for 11 years, will continue to present Radio 4’s Start the Week.