The Financial Times will launch 'The A-Train', a new column by Chrystia Freeland, US Managing Editor of the Financial Times, this Saturday, January 13, 2007. 'The A-Train' will be published every Saturday in the Weekend section of the Financial Times, and is a social observation of the American upper-middle class, with a personal twist and a serious core.

Freeland's first column titled, 'The art of being shameless,' explores the idea that self-promotion -- in America -- has become accepted, admired and necessary for achieving success. But it can come at a social cost. A Canadian nationalist, Freeland's personal anecdotes and witty insight into the world of America's quirky elite are particularly charming.

Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times, commented, "I am delighted that Chrystia Freeland has agreed to write a column for the FT's Weekend section. Chrystia is an outstanding journalist; her talent, energy and vigilance combined will create a unique voice for the FT."

Freeland has held a number of senior positions at the FT including, Deputy Editor in London. Other notable positions include, Editor of FT Electronic Services, Editor of the FT's Weekend edition, Editor of FT.com, UK News Editor, Moscow Bureau Chief and Eastern Europe Correspondent.

Freeland is the author of Sale of a Century: the inside story of the second Russian revolution (2000), which details Russia's journey from communism to capitalism. Additionally, her piece on Mikhail Khodorkovsky, which appeared in the FT Magazine, won 'Best Energy Submission' at the Business Journalist of the Year Awards in 2004. In 2005, the World Economic Forum named Freeland a 'Young Leader of Tomorrow' at their 2005 gathering in Davos.