FT names new U.S. political commentator, national editor

The Financial Times announced Friday that two of its leading columnists, Janan Ganesh and Edward Luce, will be taking on new roles this summer.

The FT’s UK political commentator and FT Weekend columnist Ganesh will move to Washington to become the FT’s chief U.S. political commentator, effective June 1.

Award-winning columnist Luce, who has held the position for the past seven years, will take on a new role as the FT’s U.S. national editor, effective June 4.

FT editor Lionel Barber said: “Janan joined the FT in 2012 and has rapidly become one of our most popular columnists, writing with a distinctive style and political perspective on Westminster politics, art, football and contemporary culture. I am excited about his move and confident that he will add a fresh new voice to our powerful US commentary team.”

Ganesh was named Best Political Commentator of the Year and Commentariat of the Year at the 2015 Editorial Intelligence Comment Awards. His book George Osborne: The Austerity Chancellor (2012), was the first published biography of the former UK chancellor, George Osborne.

Luce’s new role will combine a weekly Global Insight column with in-depth feature writing and reportage in and outside Washington. He will also contribute to FT Weekend, writing regular columns for the op-ed page.

Barber said: “As one of our most experienced U.S.-based writers, Ed has produced some of the most vivid and insightful writing on pre- and post-Trump America. I am delighted that he is taking on this new role and confident that this next phase in Ed’s distinguished career will not only play to his many strengths but also strengthen the FT’s footprint in America.”

Luce recently launched the “Swamp Notes” newsletter with FT global business columnist Rana Foroohar to discuss the biggest themes driving U.S. politics, business and markets from Washington, New York and beyond.