Donald Trump has announced that he has appointed Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the NBA team Houston Rockets, as US ambassador to Italy.
President-elect Trump made the announcement Saturday evening on Truth Social, writing, “I am pleased to announce that Tilman J. Fertitta has been nominated to serve as United States Ambassador to Italy.
“Tilman is an accomplished businessman who founded and built one of our country’s premier entertainment and real estate companies, employing approximately 50,000 Americans.
“Tilman has a long history of giving back to the community through numerous philanthropic initiatives, including children’s charities, law enforcement and the medical community.
“In addition, Tilman is the longest-serving chairman of the University of Houston Board of Regents. He also owns the Houston Rockets Basketball Team. Congratulations to Tilman and his remarkable family!’
Fertitta, 67, has owned the Rockets since 2017 and is currently worth $10.9 billion according to Forbes.
Donald Trump has announced that Tilman Fertitta will become his US ambassador to Italy
Fertitta, owner of NBA team Houston Rockets, has an estimated net worth of $10.9 billion
He made his fortune as chairman of Landry’s, a company that includes casinos, hotels and restaurants such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Fertitta was born in Galveston, Texas, but is of Sicilian descent.
It is unclear how Fertitta’s appointment will impact his day-to-day duties with the Rockets.
Before his latest administration, Trump named Jets owner Woody Johnson as his pick for British ambassador, leaving his brother Christopher in control of the team.
However, Woody will not serve a second term in the role as billionaire Warren Stephens was selected this time.
The Rockets are currently third in the Western Conference and will be in NBA action against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.
Trump, meanwhile, will be sworn in for a second time on January 20.