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I am an award-winning political, financial and economics journalist with experience across the Middle East and Asia in broadcast, digital and print. I have served as Editor-at-Large for Thomson Reuters and as a Philippines correspondent for the Financial Times, and I’ve reported for ITN News at Ten and Al Jazeera, among others. I’ve covered major events like World Economic Forum meetings and key regional developments, and I enjoy sharing knowledge through teaching and mentoring. I mentor aspiring journalists, contribute to white papers and advisory work for intergovernmental organizations in ASEAN, and I’m passionate about explaining complex finance and policy issues in clear, engaging ways for wide audiences.…I am an award-winning political, financial and economics journalist with experience across the Middle East and Asia in broadcast, digital and print. I have served as Editor-at-Large for Thomson Reuters and as a Philippines correspondent for the Financial Times, and I’ve reported for ITN News at Ten and Al Jazeera, among others. I’ve covered major events like World Economic Forum meetings and key regional developments, and I enjoy sharing knowledge through teaching and mentoring. I mentor aspiring journalists, contribute to white papers and advisory work for intergovernmental organizations in ASEAN, and I’m passionate about explaining complex finance and policy issues in clear, engaging ways for wide audiences.

Mark T. Townsend

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I am an award-winning political, financial and economics journalist with experience across the Middle East and Asia in broadcast, digital and print. I have served as Editor-at-Large for Thomson Reuters and as a Philippines correspondent for the Financial Times, and I’ve reported for ITN News at Ten and Al Jazeera, among others. I’ve covered major events like World Economic Forum meetings and key regional developments, and I enjoy sharing knowledge through teaching and mentoring. I mentor aspiring journalists, contribute to white papers and advisory work for intergovernmental organizations in ASEAN, and I’m passionate about explaining complex finance and policy issues in clear, engaging ways for wide audiences.…I am an award-winning political, financial and economics journalist with experience across the Middle East and Asia in broadcast, digital and print. I have served as Editor-at-Large for Thomson Reuters and as a Philippines correspondent for the Financial Times, and I’ve reported for ITN News at Ten and Al Jazeera, among others. I’ve covered major events like World Economic Forum meetings and key regional developments, and I enjoy sharing knowledge through teaching and mentoring. I mentor aspiring journalists, contribute to white papers and advisory work for intergovernmental organizations in ASEAN, and I’m passionate about explaining complex finance and policy issues in clear, engaging ways for wide audiences.

Available to hire

I am an award-winning political, financial and economics journalist with experience across the Middle East and Asia in broadcast, digital and print. I have served as Editor-at-Large for Thomson Reuters and as a Philippines correspondent for the Financial Times, and I’ve reported for ITN News at Ten and Al Jazeera, among others. I’ve covered major events like World Economic Forum meetings and key regional developments, and I enjoy sharing knowledge through teaching and mentoring.

I mentor aspiring journalists, contribute to white papers and advisory work for intergovernmental organizations in ASEAN, and I’m passionate about explaining complex finance and policy issues in clear, engaging ways for wide audiences.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

French

Intermediate

Arabic

Beginner

Work Experience

Freelance Journalist at Self-employed (Dubai, UAE)

March 1, 2009 - Present

Freelance journalist reporting for ITN News at Ten, Al Jazeera, and Financial Times Philippines desk; co-presenter on Dubai-Eye 103.8FM; built extensive network of sources; recognized for commentary on macroeconomics and policy.

Business Editor at Khaleej Times

February 1, 2009 - October 21, 2025

Head of Business News, directing an award-winning team of 15 journalists; reported on political and economic development at major meetings such as World Economic Forum; led UAE media delegation to Pakistan; authored editorial/op-ed columns; covered regional energy sector and OPEC; regular media appearances.

Founder and Managing Director at Synthesis Management Consultants (UK)

January 1, 2005 - October 21, 2025

Wrote widely on global financial markets; advised global risk management consultants; developed relationships with private equity, investment banking and hedge funds; established international government contacts.