John initially started his journalistic career as a trainee sub-editor for BBC Radio News. By 1970, John became a full BBC reporter and went on to interview leading figures such as Harold Wilson. Working his way through the ranks, John was later appointed as the BBC Political Editor in 1981. He then went on to become the Diplomatic Editor in 1982, corresponding in places such as Brussels, Dublin and South Africa. In 1988 he was appointed in the role that he still holds today, accepting the role of BBC World Affairs Editor. Throughout his tenure at the BBC, John has presented countless programs such as Nine O’clock News and Simpson’s World.
Along the course of his career, John has been a pivotal figure at the forefront of topical and attention-grabbing news stories and interviewed numerous high-profile figures. Such events include avoiding bullets when reporting at the Beijing Tiananmen Square Massacre, reporting during the Kosovo War, interviewing Mutesa II hours before his death, being hunted by Robert Mugabe forces and interviewing Pim Fortuyn days before he was assassinated. Alongside his correspondent credits, John has also appeared on several other programs such as Have I Got News For You, Top Dogs: Adventures in War, Sea and Ice and a Panorama special on his life titled John Simpson: 50 Years on the Front Line.
John has witnessed many horrific and hostile environments throughout his time as a foreign correspondent, witnessing conflicts across the breadth of the Middle East and Afghanistan. John has also been fortunate to interview countless global leaders, such as the likes of Nelson Mandela, Saddam Hussein, Vladimir Putin and countless other British Prime Ministers and American Presidents.
In reward of his commitments to journalism, John has received countless awards throughout his career. 12 different universities have bestowed Honorary Doctorates to John, such including the University of East Anglia, Nottingham University and Leeds University. He has also been the recipient of the Ischia International Journalism Award, an International Emmy and the Golden Nymph at the Cannes Film Festival. He has also landed three BAFTA awards, the Bayeux-Calvados Award for War Correspondents and was appointed CBE in reward for his services to reporting.
As a speaker, John is sought to deliver the adept knowledge and skills he has built as a distinguished broadcaster. Covering major world news and current affairs, John has experienced hostile environments and life-risking situations. Highly respected, John is the perfect speaker to engage corporate audiences and lead an amazing conference or keynote event.
