Ben Aris

Ben Aris is a prominent journalist and the founder and majority shareholder of bne IntelliNews (formerly known as Business New Europe), a leading English-language publication focusing on business, economics, finance, and politics in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. He has held the position of editor-in-chief since founding the publication in 2006.

Career Background

Aris began his journalism career in Russia in 1993, working as a freelancer before becoming the Moscow bureau chief for the Daily Telegraph from 1998 to 2003. After a brief stint as the Berlin bureau chief for The Guardian, he returned to Russia and established bne in 2006. His extensive experience includes covering significant historical events in the region, including the end of the Yeltsin era and the rise of Vladimir Putin, as well as conflicts like the Second Chechen War.134

Over his career, Aris has contributed to various prestigious publications such as The Financial Times, Newsweek, and Institutional Investor. He is recognized for his expertise in emerging markets, particularly in Eastern Europe and Russia, making him one of the longest-serving foreign correspondents in that area.256

Achievements

Aris has been acknowledged for his journalistic excellence, being named "Best Business Journalist in Russia" by Ria Novosti in both 2012 and 2013. He is also an accomplished photographer with a contract with Camera Press.13

Current Role

As the controlling stakeholder of bne IntelliNews, Aris oversees a team that provides comprehensive coverage of over 100 countries, focusing on actionable information for investors and businesses operating in volatile markets. Under his leadership, bne IntelliNews has grown significantly despite challenges such as economic crises and geopolitical tensions.56

Ben Aris continues to be an influential voice in journalism concerning Eastern European affairs, advocating for objective reporting amid complex narratives surrounding events like the war in Ukraine.3