Mark Kleinman is a renowned British journalist, celebrated for his incisive financial and business reporting. As Sky News’ City Editor, he has become one of the most authoritative voices in the City of London, known for breaking high-impact stories and delivering expert analysis. Let’s walk through the stages of his impressive career.
Early Beginnings Trade Magazines to National Press
Mark Kleinman began his journalism journey in the late 1990s, working for trade publications such as Leisure Week and Precision Marketing, where he honed his reporting skills and developed an eye for business affairs . His transition to national media came in 2004, when he joined the Sunday Express as a retail correspondent, swiftly followed by a role at The Sunday Times as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) correspondent.
Making a Name in Mergers & Acquisitions
During his tenure at The Sunday Times, Kleinman’s ability to uncover hook lines in corporate shake-ups earned him recognition—winning “Best Scoop” at the 2006 Business Journalist of the Year Awards. His coverage of high-stakes deals cemented his reputation as a journalist with a sharp nose for significant financial developments.
Asia Business Editor Global Reporting Experience
In September 2006, Kleinman took on the role of Asia Business Editor for The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph, based in Hong Kong. This post allowed him to explore Asia’s growing role in global markets and gain international reporting experience.
Return to London Sunday Telegraph City Editor
By November 2007, Mark Kleinman returned to London and was appointed City Editor of The Sunday Telegraph. Alongside him, Louise Armitstead became Deputy City Editor. During his ~18-month tenure, he delivered significant exclusives and reinforced the paper’s business coverage.
Sky News A New Platform for Big Stories
In 2009, Sky News appointed him as their first-ever City Editor, a role created to strengthen their business news capabilities and rival the BBC’s Robert Peston. As part of the deal, he continued writing a weekly business column for The Times.
Reflecting on the move, Kleinman revealed that television wasn’t part of his long-term plan—but when the opportunity arose at Sky, it was too compelling to ignore. He thrived in the role, noting that success in scoops depends on forging and maintaining trust-based relationships—what he called “contact‑building, dot‑connecting and the sixth sense.
Broadening His Reach Columnist for FT Weekend
Mark Kleinman also expanded his reach into print journalism again when he joined Financial Times Weekend as a weekly columnist. The move, announced around 2010, was praised by FT Editor Lionel Barber, who highlighted Kleinman’s ability to deliver exclusive, high-impact stories.
Recognized by Peers Awards and Acclaim
- In 2011, Mark Kleinman was named London Press Club Business Journalist of the Year, further consolidating his standing in business journalism.
- A decade later, at the 2021 British Journalism Awards, he took home the Business, Finance and Economics Journalism award for breaking three headline-dominating stories: the European Super League, the collapse of Arcadia Group, and the potential £5 bn takeover of Morrisons. Judges praised: “For one journalist to break all of them was just awesome.
Continuing to Shape Business Discourse Recent Noteworthy Scoops
Kleinman continues to consistently deliver scoops that shape business headlines:
- In November 2022, he revealed Manchester United owners were considering selling the club, later followed by reporting that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in talks for a minority stake.
- In June 2023, he broke news that ministers were preparing contingency plans to nationalize Thames Water amid financial concerns.
- Around the same time, he reported on £500 million government rescue talks for Tata Steel—a key industrial story.
Current Role & Ongoing Influence
Today, Mark Kleinman remains City Editor at Sky News and continues to publish as a columnist—most recently for CityAM—offering informed commentary on corporate and market developments. His articles reflect deep subject expertise and a keen pulse on London’s financial ecosystem City AM.
His biography emphasizes his commanding presence in business journalism and his consistent scoop-making:
“Sky News City editor; winner, 2021 British Journalism Awards; twice London Press Club Business Journalist of the Year.
What Sets Kleinman Apart
- Scoop Mastery: Mark Kleinman is known for tapping into stories before they hit mainstream awareness—from company takeovers to government rescue plans.
- Relationship Crafting: He emphasizes building and sustaining sources—a principle he credits for his success.
- Analytical Foresight: He combines lateral thinking with instinct—often anticipating developments before they fully materialize.
- Cross‑Platform Authority: His work spans television, print, and digital—reaching audiences via Sky News broadcasts, FT Weekend, The Times, and CityAM, among others.
Conclusion
Mark Kleinman’s journey from trade magazines to being one of Britain’s foremost financial journalists is defined by his scoop‑driven reporting, sharp business insight, and respect in the industry. As City Editor at Sky News and a sought‑after columnist, his timeline illustrates sustained excellence, adaptability across media, and an unyielding commitment to breaking impactful stories.
