BBC world affairs editor
John Simpson was appointed world affairs editor in 1988 following periods as diplomatic editor and presenter of the Nine O'Clock News.
In a BBC career spanning more than 30 years, John has earned a reputation as one of the world's most experienced and authoritative journalists.
His first job with the BBC was as a trainee sub-editor in Radio News in 1966.
He has reported from more than 100 countries across the globe, from 30 war zones, and has interviewed numerous world leaders.
His most recent and demanding major assignment was reporting from Afghanistan during the fall of Kabul.
He also reported from Belgrade during the Kosovo crisis of 1999, where he was one of only a handful of
journalists to remain in the Serbian capital after the authorities expelled those from Nato countries at the start of the conflict.
During this time he was the first BBC journalist in a war zone to answer questions from internet users via BBC News Online.
He has faced many dangerous situations including being shelled in Afghanistan,
attacked with poisonous gas in the Gulf and dodging the bullets in Tiananmen Square.
He has also worked as a correspondent in South Africa, Brussels and Dublin.
John has received numerous awards including a CBE in the Gulf War Honours in 1991, three Baftas and an International Emmy award for News Coverage for his report on the fall of Kabul for the BBC Ten O'Clock News.
John graduated from Magdalene College, Cambridge where he read English.