John Ridding is a globally respected media executive who led the Financial Times (FT) through one of the most successful digital transformations in the publishing industry. Serving as Chief Executive Officer from 2006 to 2025, Ridding oversaw a period of exceptional growth, innovation, and global influence for the FT. Under his leadership, the newspaper transitioned from a traditional print outlet into a digital-first powerhouse, with over two-thirds of its revenues eventually coming from digital subscriptions and advertising—a model widely regarded as a benchmark for modern journalism.
Ridding joined the FT in 1987 and held a number of key editorial and executive roles, including Hong Kong Bureau Chief, Paris Correspondent, Managing Editor, and Editor of FT.com, before becoming CEO. He is widely credited with expanding the FT’s global footprint and with deepening its editorial excellence, particularly in business, economics, and geopolitics.
In 2015, he played a pivotal role in the FT’s high-profile acquisition by Nikkei, one of the world’s largest media organizations, ensuring continued editorial independence while opening new growth opportunities in Asia. He also championed diversity and inclusion within the newsroom and was a strong advocate for sustainable business practices.
A graduate of Oxford University in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Ridding has served as a mentor and thought leader across the media landscape, contributing to debates on press freedom, innovation in journalism, and the role of media in democratic societies. His legacy is marked by bold strategic decisions, editorial integrity, and a relentless commitment to adapting quality journalism to the digital age.