5 September 2019: Today the Financial Times announces the appointment of Orson Francescone as managing director of FT Live.   

In this position, Francescone will be responsible for overseeing the FT’s global conferences and events division. Chaired by senior journalists, FT Live events gather the world's brightest minds and most influential decision-makers. 

Francescone joins the FT from Haymarket Media, where he worked as director of events and oversaw content-led B2B conferences and exhibitions, including the award-winning Festival of Work. Prior to that, Orson developed some of the world’s largest and most profitable B2B conferences as vice president of DMG Events, a division of the Daily Mail Group. He also led the events business across Euromoney Institutional Investor’s market-leading brands, establishing a global portfolio of conferences in the banking, finance, capital markets, asset management and insurance sectors. 

Angela Mackay, global publisher of FT Live and managing director of FT Asia Pacific, said: “I am delighted that Orson is joining our team. He brings deep experience in a range of events, from large-scale exhibitions to intimate client-tailored gatherings. FT Live will continue to grow and flourish under his leadership.”
 
“The FT’s convening power is second to none. I look forward to joining one of the world’s most respected brands and furthering its mission through premium events that meet the needs of our global audience,” said Francescone.

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About the Financial Times:
The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading business news organisations, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. The FT has a record paying readership of one million, three-quarters of which are digital subscriptions. It is part of Nikkei Inc., which provides a broad range of information, news and services for the global business community.