MUMBAI: UK pubcaster BBC has announced that Stephanie Flanders will be the economics editor for BBC News in early April following Evan Davis' appointment to Today on BBC Radio 4.

Flanders is a former speech writer and senior adviser to the US Treasury, where she worked on the management of emerging market financial crises along with other global economic issues from 1997 to 2001.

Flanders said, "Evan is unique – and not an act that any sensible person would want to follow. But then nor is BBC Economics Editor a job that you turn down. I'm thrilled. And I am almost as tall as him, which helps."

BBC News editor of the Economics and Business Centre Jeremy Hillman said, "Stephanie has a formidable track record as an economist and journalist. She will bring huge depth and insight to the role at a time of significant global and domestic economic uncertainty. She will also make a strong addition to the team of senior BBC editors, and play a central role in leading and shaping the BBC's coverage across the UK and across the globe."

BBC News director Helen Boaden said, "Stephanie has a terrific track record and will build on her reputation at Newsnight for bringing clarity, authority and wry humour to this important but difficult area."