Michael Skapinker is an assistant editor of the Financial Times, a columnist and the editor of the FT’s special reports. He was born in South Africa in 1955 and was educated at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and Cambridge University.

He began his journalistic career in Greece, where he worked as a correspondent for CBS Radio News and Independent Radio News. He joined the FT in London in 1986 and has reported on many industries, including aerospace, electronics and tourism. From 2000 to 2005, he was the FT’s management editor. From 2005 to 2007, he was editor of the FT‘s weekend edition.

In 2003, he received the Work Foundation Members’ Award for his contribution to the understanding of working life. He was named Columnist of the Year in the 2008 WorkWorld Media Awards.

His column, on business and society, appears in the FT on Tuesdays.