27 January 2020: Today, the Financial Times announces that it has hired Derek Brower as US energy editor, based in New York, the first step in an expansion of the FT’s coverage of one of the most important sectors of the US economy. 

Brower joins the FT from RS Energy Group, where he served as a director of intelligence for two years, consulting institutional investors and corporate clients. As energy editor, Brower will be responsible for building a new team in the US, including reopening the FT’s bureau in Houston, to complement the world-class energy team based in London.

“Energy is one of those sectors where Americans and American companies play an outsized role in the global economy, and we are making a significant investment in bringing their stories to the world,” said Peter Spiegel, FT’s US managing editor. “Derek’s decades of expertise in journalism and the industry make him the perfect person to lead the FT’s US energy coverage as the sector faces increasing challenges from consolidation, climate change and geopolitical upheaval.”  

Brower has more than 20 years experience covering global energy and politics. He began his career on the energy desk at Bridge News (now Reuters), and has served as editor of Petroleum Economist, in addition to being a regular contributor to the Economist, Prospect magazine and several newspapers. Most recently he was a director of RS Energy Group, advising clients on geopolitics and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. He has reported from across the world, including conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa, and lived in Russia, the UK and Canada. 

He holds a PhD in Russian Literature from University of London and read Modern History at Oxford University. He speaks English, French and Russian. 

Photo by RS Energy Group

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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 more than 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.

For more information, please contact:  Katrina Fedczuk | katrina.fedczuk@ft.com