Amol Rajan

Amol Rajan is a British broadcaster and journalist who took over from Jeremy Paxman as host of University Challenge in 2023. Working with respected media giants, from the BBC to the Independent, Amol has spent his 20-year career investigating, reporting and challenging current affairs. He is now a leading expert on politics, geopolitics and technology. Amol is an experienced presenter, with his show, Amol Rajan Interviews, featuring guests like Bill Gates, Greta Thunberg and Nile Rodgers. He also secured an exclusive first interview with Philip Schofield in 2023 following his high-profile departure from ITV. With an extensive understanding of current affairs and a talent for looking beyond the headlines, Amol delivers compelling insights that inform audiences from a variety of sectors. As a host and facilitator, he ensures every formal event runs smoothly. 

Whilst studying English at Cambridge University, Amol was editor for one of the university's biggest student newspaper publications, 'Varsity'. Later venturing into TV and media, Amol appeared as a mic boy on Channel 5's 'Wright Stuff', before he joined The Independent as a news reporter in 2007. During his time there, he also worked as a sports correspondent, columnist, comment editor, food critic and editor of Independent Voices. In 2011, Amol published his first book,'Twirlymen, the Unlikely History of Cricket's Greatest Spin Bowlers', which echoed his longstanding passion for cricket. In 2013, Amol made history when he became both the youngest and first person of colour to be Editor of The Independent. Amol continued to break barriers over the coming years, becoming the BBC's first Media Editor in 2016 and hosting The Media Show in 2017. 

Amol has also been a restaurant critic for The Independent Sunday and a columnist for The Evening Standard, and can still be found offering his thoughts for GQ, The New Statesman, The Spectator and Politico Europe. As a TV host, Amol has presented a variety of programmes, including 'The Big Debate' on the BBC Asian Network, 'The Decline of the West' on BBC Radio 4 and his two-part documentary, 'How to Crack the Class Ceiling' for the BBC. He also hosted the hit royal podcast, 'Harry, Meghan and the Media'. When he isn't fronting his own projects, Amol can be found appearing on other programmes, including Newsnight, The Andrew Marr Show, Question Time, The Daily Politics and MasterChef and Great British Menu. In 2018, he participated in Celebrity Mastermind, finishing second overall in the programme. In 2022, he published his second book, 'Rethink: How We Can Make a Better World', where he platformed global figures and their views on how to rebuild after the Covid-19 pandemic.

A pioneering figure in British broadcasting, Amol Rajan is a trusted presenter and host, known for his incisive journalism. In 2015, he was awarded a Doctor of Letters by London Metropolitan University, honouring his services to journalism and public discourse. Having created and hosted several of his own TV and radio projects, Amol responds quickly to briefs and event agendas. For a host and facilitator with a background in politics, business and culture, Amol Rajan is a fantastic choice to bring a reliable and engaging presence to your event. Hire Amol with Champions today!