Lionel Barber: Financial Journalist

  • Highlights:
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: London, UK
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

Lionel Barber was the Editor of the Financial Times from 2005-2020. Under his editorship, the paper won three ‘Newspaper of the Year’ awards, transformed the newsroom into a world class digital-first operation, and solidified its legacy as one of the world’s leading business news organisations, renowned for its integrity and accuracy.

Lionel Barber began his career in 1978 as a reporter for the Scotsman. Three years later, he joined the Sunday Times and in 1985 he joined the Financial Times as a business reporter.

He advanced to Washington correspondent in 1986 before being appointed Brussels bureau chief in 1992. He continued to progress as news editor, lead of the continental European edition and US managing editor.

During Lionel Barber tenure, the Financial Times surpassed the milestone of one million paying readers, over 75% digital subscribers, and won numerous awards including the British Journalism Awards, Gerald Loeb, Overseas Press Club, Society of American Business Editors and Writers and Society of Publishers in Asia for its world-class journalism globally.

Lionel Barber is an experienced broadcaster and commentator who has co-written several books, including a history of Reuters news agency, “The Price of Truth”, and has lectured on foreign policy, transatlantic relations and Europe.

He has received numerous prestigious awards including the Laurence Stern Fellowship at the Washington Post (1985), a Woodrow Wilson Foundation fellowship (1991), a visiting scholarship at the University of California at Berkeley (1992) and a visiting fellowship at the Robert Schuman Center at the European University Institute in Florence (1996).

In 2011, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees at The Tate and serves as a trustee on the board of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. He graduated in 1978 from St Edmund Hall, Oxford University, with a joint honours degree in German and modern history and speaks fluent French and German.

Lionel Barber is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. And in 2016, he was made a Chevalier in the French Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur for his journalism.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Lionel Barber | Expert Financial Journalist

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

View further speakers

  • (18)
  • (5)
Ron Garan Dallas -

Ron Garan is not your ordinary speaker. He’s a former NASA astronaut, highly decorated combat fighter, and a true explorer of both outer space and the depths of human potential. With 178 days spent in space and over 71 million miles traveled aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Ron Garan brings a wealth of experiences, […]

  • Travels from: Houston, TX
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (61)
Ginger Hardage

Ginger Hardage is a distinguished thought leader in workplace culture, leadership, and corporate communications. As the former Senior Vice President of Culture and Communications at Southwest Airlines, she played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most admired corporate cultures in the world. With over 25 years of experience as a key member of […]

  • Travels from: Dallas, TX
  • Culture Speakers
  • (36)
Gaby Natale

Triple Emmy-Winning Journalist and Bestselling Author Gaby Natale is on a mission to awaken the PIONEER spirit in each of us. Gaby stands as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, possessing not only the creative prowess but also the entrepreneurial acumen to carve her path. As one of the few women who own the rights […]

  • Travels from: Fort Worth. TX
  • Hispanic Speakers
  • (20)
Alex Goryachev

Alex Goryachev is a globally recognized technology operations executive, a Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of “Fearless Innovation,” and an expert in advancing innovation culture and monetizing new technology. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he has successfully commercialized emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (39)
Julie Solomon - The Influencer Podcast

Julie Solomon is a dynamic marketing expert and seasoned entrepreneur who has transformed countless lives through her groundbreaking podcast and influential online programs spanning over fifteen years. With a career that initially blossomed in the realm of public relations, representing some of the most notable music acts and thought leaders, Solomon transitioned seamlessly into the […]

  • Travels from: Nashville, TN
  • Marketing Speakers
  • (17)
Brandeis Marshall

Brandeis Marshall is a trailblazing figure in the realm of data ethics and education, passionately bridging the gap between technology, ethics, and social impact. As the Founder and CEO of the DataedX Group, she has redefined how organizations and individuals engage with data, championing ethical practices that align with inclusivity and fairness. Brandeis’s compelling vision […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (29)
Kay Firth-Butterfield - Image 03 (January 23, 2026)

Kay Firth-Butterfield is an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics and governance, championing the responsible development and deployment of technology. As the CEO of Good Tech Advisory LLC, she leverages her extensive legal and academic background to guide organizations toward ethical AI practices. Her leadership in this domain earned her a spot among TIME’s 100 […]

  • Travels from: Various Cities
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • (58)
America Ferrera

America Ferrera is perhaps best known for her fearless portrayal of “Betty Suarez” on ABC’s hit comedy Ugly Betty and “Carmen” in the popular film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Ferrera’s Ugly Betty role earned her an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as ALMA and Imagen Awards. America Ferrera is an award-winning actress and […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Celebrity Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.