His move, which takes effect at the beginning of November, comes as the FT launched its Asia edition in a bid to significantly boost its regional readership and just after The Economist announced that it had surpassed the 100,000 circulation mark for the first time in Asia.
In the run-up to the roll-out, the FT's circulation and marketing drive was spearheaded by consultant Mary Frances Bellman, previously the Asia-Pacific circulation head of Business Week.
Bakker said he would be performing much of the same work as when he was at The Economist. "It would be largely similar but it'll be more challenging because the FT is clearly investing in Asia to build its circulation and it's something that I can help to drive."
The Economist's worldwide promotions director, Christopher Kirk, is filling in for Bakker until a permanent replacement is found.
Bakker, who continues to be based in Hong Kong, began at The Economist 14 years ago in the circulation department of the magazine's European operations. He came to Asia in 1999 to drive the title's circulation growth.
