Simon Pearson is an accomplished journalist and author known for his work as the Obituaries Editor of The Times. He has been with the publication since 1986, where he has held various editorial positions, including Chief Sub-Editor on the foreign desk, Night Editor, and Executive Editor. Prior to working with The Times, Pearson contributed to various newspapers, such as the Sheffield Morning Telegraph, South China Morning Post, and Sydney Telegraph, starting in 1977 after studying in Sheffield.

Pearson has also published a biography entitled "The Great Escaper: The Life and Death of Roger Bushell" (Hodder, 2013), which will be reissued in an updated edition later this year. The book tells the story of a famed RAF officer who led the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III during World War II. Military history is one of Pearson's primary interests, and he is set to publish a second book called "The Battle of Britain in 18 Aircraft" in 2020.

Besides his professional duties, Pearson has also taken on various voluntary and advisory roles, such as being a trustee of the Spires, Streatham, a charity that works with the homeless, and a governor of Abbotsholme School, Staffordshire. He is a dedicated family man, married to a journalist named Fiona Gorman since 1996, and they have three sons together. Pearson enjoys fishing and chess, and cheers on Crystal Palace FC when he's not working or writing.