Since his appointment in 2005 as Editor of the FT, Barber has helped position the FT as one of the first publishers to successfully transform itself into a multichannel news platform.

During his tenure, the FT has won many global awards for its journalism, including four Newspaper of the Year awards, which recognise the FT’s role as a “21st century news organisation”, and the new FT.com being named Website of the Year at the 2017 Press Awards.

“At a time when the print industry faces diverse and important challenges, The Printing Charity does crucial work in both protecting the industry's heritage and supporting its future,” Barber commented on his new appointment.

“I am delighted to be involved with the charity as its president this year and look forward to meeting the many people who make the British print industry – which I have been a part of for almost 40 years – such a rich and varied business."

Barber has co-written several books and has interviewed many of the world’s leaders in business and politics, including Donald Trump, Barack Obama and Angela Merkel. He received the St George Society Medal of Honour for his contribution to journalism in the transatlantic community.

Neil Lovell, CEO of The Printing Charity, added: “We are thrilled to have Lionel Barber as our president this year. He follows many distinguished charity presidents, including the late Baroness Dean, and will, I am sure, enjoy his involvement this year. The Chair of Trustees, Jon Wright, and I look forward to working with him.”