Donald Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, describing Mr Stephens as as “probably the most profitable businessmen within the nation”. He additionally described the UK as considered one of America’s “most cherished and beloved Allies”.
He wrote: “I’m happy to announce that Warren A Stephens, probably the most profitable businessmen within the nation, has been nominated to function the US Ambassador to the Court docket of St James’s, a task wherein he’ll act as our consultant to the UK.
“Over the past 38 years, whereas serving because the president, chairman, and CEO of his firm, Stephens Inc, Warren has constructed an exquisite monetary companies agency, whereas selflessly giving again to his neighborhood as a philanthropist.
“Warren has at all times dreamed of serving the US full time. I’m thrilled that he’ll now have that chance as the highest diplomat, representing the USA to considered one of America’s most cherished and beloved allies.”
Right here is every part we all know concerning the new ambassador to the UK.
Warren Stephens, 67, has had an extended profession in funding banking. He’s additionally a Republican donor who beforehand campaigned towards Mr Trump, then modified his thoughts and backed him financially throughout the election marketing campaign after first favouring Nikki Haley.
He’s the chair, president and chief govt of monetary companies agency Stephens Inc, primarily based in Little Rock, Arkansas, which had been run by his father earlier than him.
He graduated from Washington and Lee College with a level in economics. He then joined the household enterprise alongside his father and uncle. One of many agency’s vital investments is within the Walmart drug retailer chain.
What has been Warren Stephens’ political profession?
He has no political or diplomatic expertise however is a crucial donor to the Republican Get together, each on this marketing campaign and in earlier ones.
In 2016, when Donald Trump first ran for president, Stephens donated $4m (£3.1 million) to political teams that fought to cease him turning into the nominee. In 2024 he gave $2m to a political motion committee that supported former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley as she unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination.
However when Donald Trump received the race to be the Republican candidate, he threw his help behind him within the hopes of a Republican win.
Stephens is about to interchange Jane Hartley who was appointed by the outgoing president, Joe Biden. He’s set to take over the job after Mr Trump’s inauguration in January. The Senate is required to substantiate the selection.
The function of US ambassador to the UK is likely one of the most coveted of diplomatic positions, and presidents have up to now additionally bestowed the function on distinguished backers.
