President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that Jared Novelly, a philanthropist and chairman of Crest Sports and Entertainment, will be the new US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.
Trump praised Novelly’s business acumen and commitment to protecting American interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Novelly, known for his ties to the wealthy Apex Oil family and his role as owner of the Illawarra Hawks basketball team, is set to replace Joe Biden appointee Tom Udall. While the White House has yet to officially confirm the appointment, Novelly’s experience spans sports management and investment across the Pacific region.
