John Micklethwait appointed editor of The Economist

John Micklethwait, 43, has been named the 16th editor of The Economist. Since its launch in 1843, The Economist has become required reading for presidents, prime ministers, business leaders, academics and the world's most influential opinion formers, whatever their field of expertise.

Micklethwait follows in the footsteps of Bill Emmott, The Economist's editor of the past 13 years, during which time the circulation grew from 510,578 to 1.1 million. After studying history at Magdalen College, Oxford, he worked for Chase Manhattan Bank and joined The Economist in the finance section in 1987.

His roles at The Economist have included editing the business section for four years and setting up The Economist's office in Los Angeles, where he worked from 1990-1993. He was media correspondent prior to being bureau chief in New York, before returning to London to be the London-based US editor.

He has co-authored four books with Adrian Wooldridge, The Economist's bureau chief in Washington, DC. "The Witch Doctors", "A Future Perfect: The Challenge and Hidden Promise of Globalisation", "The Company: A short History of a Revolutionary Idea" and "The Right Nation".

Micklethwait is based in London. On learning of his appointment Micklethwait said: "I am honoured to have been given the chance to edit this great newspaper. I have always thought that this was the best job in journalism anywhere in the world."

Sir Robert Wilson, The Economist Group chairman said: "The Economist has a team of exceptionally talented journalists and we have been in the fortunate position to be able to choose a new editor from several excellent candidates. John Micklethwait has already shown that he is an outstanding journalist and has considerable experience on both sides of the Atlantic. I am confident that he will prove to be a superb editor."

Helen Alexander, The Economist Group's chief executive, said: "I have known John for many years and have always regarded him as a gifted journalist. John's love of politics and knowledge of America and business will set him in good stead as editor of this great publication."

(April 1st 2006)