FT columnist Johnson to join the Sunday Times

Luke Johnson, who has written a weekly column for the Financial Times for the past seven years, is leaving the business newspaper to write a weekly column for The Sunday Times beginning Feb. 1, the paper announced Wednesday.

Johnson made his name as an entrepreneur with the expansion of Pizza Express. Subsequently he started, owned or run such restaurant brands as Strada, Belgo and Giraffe. He is the chairman and principal shareholder in Patisserie Holdings, the listed company that owns the fast-growing Patisserie Valerie chain.

“I’m delighted to be joining an outstanding team of contributors,” said Johnson in a statement. “My focus is entrepreneurship, and what it’s like actually doing business on the front line. I will be commenting on everything from startups to PLCs, ranging from the world of private equity to boardroom politics, and my experience across sectors like hospitality, the media industry, entertainment, retailing and travel.”

Sunday Times business editor Dominic O’Connell said: “Luke will make an invaluable contribution to our unrivalled coverage. He joins a stable of world-class and talented business journalists, and I am confident that Sunday Times readers will benefit from his wealth of experience in creating, and building businesses.”

The Sunday Times is read by more than 58 percent of business leaders, according to Ipsos MORI. The business section recently celebrated its 50^th anniversary and was the first standalone business section in Fleet Street.