Donald Trump has named billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as his ambassador to the UK.
In a message on his Truth Social platform, the president-elect described the banker as “one of the most successful businessmen in the country” before describing the UK as among its “most cherished and beloved Allies”.
Mr Stephens, 67, is a Republican donor who previously campaigned against Mr Trump, before financially backing him at this year’s election.
It is a prestigious posting for the Republican donor who has no experience in government but whose contributions this year included $2m (£1.6m) to a Trump-backing super PAC (political action committee) donations vehicle.
He will replace Jane Hartley, the current ambassador to the UK appointed by Joe Biden, after Mr Trump’s inauguration in January. The Senate is required to confirm the choice.
Mr Trump wrote: “I am pleased to announce that Warren A Stephens, one of the most successful businessmen in the country, has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Court of St James’s, a role in which he will act as our representative to the United Kingdom.
“Over the last 38 years, while serving as the president, chairman, and CEO of his company, Stephens Inc, Warren has built a wonderful financial services firm, while selflessly giving back to his community as a philanthropist.
“Warren has always dreamed of serving the United States full time. I am thrilled that he will now have that opportunity as the top diplomat, representing the USA to one of America’s most cherished and beloved allies.”
Mr Stephens is the chair, president and CEO of financial services firm Stephens Inc in Little Rock, Arkansas, having taken over the firm from his father.
Mr Trump has already named many of his nominees for his cabinet and high-profile diplomatic posts, assembling a roster of staunch loyalists.
Over the weekend, Mr Trump announced he intends to nominate real estate developer Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France.
During his first term, Mr Trump selected Robert “Woody” Johnson, a contributor to his campaign and the owner of the New York Jets football team, as his representative to the United Kingdom.
