At the Financial Times, people are at the heart of everything we do and that includes the teams driving our digital products forward. In this Life at FT spotlight, we spoke with Atanas Blagoev, Analytics Manager at FT Specialist, to learn more about his journey, the impact of his team in Sofia, and what it’s like to grow a career at the FT.
Tell us a more about yourself and your role at the FT?
I started my journey in the FT in 2020. I initially joined as a data analyst in what was then a very small team of just two people. But as the demand for data grew and quickly it became clear that a more robust data function was needed to support the business. Within my first year, I had the opportunity to expand the team, hiring three more brilliant individuals. That marked the beginning of a journey that led me into management, and I’m proud to say we've now been working together for nearly four years. In my current role, I manage the data team within FT Specialist, where we work across a wide range of analytics, engineering, and reporting needs to support the business.
What do you enjoy most about working at the FT?
What I truly value at the FT is the people-first culture. It’s not just a slogan — it's something you see reflected in the day-to-day, across all levels of the organisation. FT takes employee wellbeing seriously, and that care extends beyond policies into the way people are managed and supported. There’s a deep sense of trust here. People are hired for their expertise, and then given the freedom and autonomy to do their best work.
What has been one of the biggest challenges in your role, and what did you learn from it?
That trust-based culture was also key in facing one of the biggest challenges in my role: scaling a team while maintaining high standards, both technically and interpersonally. It taught me that culture is just as important as capability when you're building something meaningful.
What inspired you to pursue a career in management?
For me, it was about playing to my strengths. I've always seen myself as a problem-solver, and to be honest, I don’t think there’s a problem more difficult than building and maintaining a great team: hiring the right people, creating the right environment, and helping them thrive.
If I had one piece of advice for aspiring managers, it would be this: focus on building trust. If your team knows that you genuinely have their best interests at heart and that only comes through honesty, consistency, and integrity — then you’ve already laid the foundation for a successful and fulfilling management journey.
Can you tell us a little bit about your team and some of the projects or achievements you are most proud of?
What I’m most proud of isn’t a single project or metric — it’s the culture we’ve built. A culture where open, honest communication is the norm, and where technical versatility is not just appreciated but encouraged. The team will never shy away from a challenge and are proactive in picking up work across different data streams, even if it’s outside their comfort zone. That flexibility and shared ambition is what makes the team special.
How does your team in Sofia contribute to the development of digital products for FT Specialist brands such as Investors' Chronicle, fDi Intelligence, and The Banker?
When I first joined, there was very little in terms of data infrastructure or insight at FT Specialist. Fast forward five years, and our team now manages all the key data streams that inform decisions across more than 8 Specialist titles.
From implementing robust tracking and analytics to building custom reporting and data pipelines, we support the entire data lifecycle. We help stakeholders across editorial, product, commercial, and marketing test hypotheses, analyse user behaviour, monitor KPIs, and track progress toward strategic goals. We work with behavioural data, user profiles, metadata, and more — combining them to paint as complete a picture as possible to support smarter, faster decision-making.
What emerging trends in data management do you foresee impacting the media industry, and how is FT preparing for them?
The most transformative trend is the rise of AI. It’s already reshaping how people search, consume, and interact with information. For a media organisation, these changes are deeply significant. They affect everything from discovery and content to how editorial teams think about engagement.
The FT is taking a forward-thinking approach here. There’s a clear recognition that we need to not only adapt to this evolving landscape but also help shape it. From internal innovation projects to cross-functional conversations about ethical AI use and data governance, the organisation is actively preparing for what’s next.
What advice would you give someone considering a role at the FT in Product & Tech?
If you're someone who values autonomy and a culture that prioritises learning and collaboration, the FT is an incredible place to grow. You won’t just be another cog in the machine — you’ll have the chance to truly shape things, contribute ideas, and see your work make a real impact.
It’s also a place where you’re surrounded by smart, thoughtful people who are generous with their knowledge. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to step up, there’s plenty of room to develop — both technically and professionally.
What’s been your most rewarding moment so far in your FT journey?
There’s no single standout moment — it’s more of a collection of small, meaningful experiences. Exciting projects, new friendships, shared challenges, and the sense of building something together. The relationships I’ve formed, and the sense of purpose I’ve found in my work, are things I’ll carry with me for life. It’s been a journey full of growth and connection — and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Atanas’ story shows what it’s like to grow with the FT — to do meaningful work, be part of a supportive team, and keep learning along the way.
BUILD A NEWSWORTHY CAREER AT THE FT.