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SALT LAKE CITY — Former Utah governor and U.S. ambassador, Jon M. Huntsman Jr., has taken a new high-profile post in the state.
He was named the new chairman of World Trade Center Utah. The organization promotes international business development and works to raise the state's global profile working in concert with the Governor's Office of Economic Development.
"Ambassador Huntsman's unparalleled international expertise, extensive business experience, and substantial role in founding WTC Utah uniquely qualify him to serve the state and Utah business community in this capacity," said outgoing Chairman Scott Anderson. "We are fortunate for his willingness to lead our efforts to make Utah the 'crossroads of the world.'"
In addition to serving as U.S. ambassador to China, Russia and Singapore, Huntsman has also worked in executive leadership positions for the Huntsman Corp. and as a director on the boards of Ford Motor Co., Chevron and other multinational enterprises.
He held high-ranking positions on various federal trade assignments, including two years as deputy U.S. trade representative for President George W. Bush, and negotiated or brokered dozens of trade and investment agreements in the Asia Pacific as well as Africa.
Huntsman launched his public service career as a staff assistant in the White House of the Reagan administration.
While serving as Utah governor, Huntsman worked with the Governor's Office of Economic Development and influential local business leaders to establish World Trade Center Utah, which became an official member of the World Trade Centers Association in April 2007. At the time, the organizers envisioned an opportunity for Utah to play a more prominent role in the worldwide marketplace.
"I am grateful that Ambassador Huntsman has once again responded to the call to serve," said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. "His service in this important role on 'Team Utah' will ensure that our global engagement is a means to an end in accelerating growth for Utah businesses and providing economic opportunity for families and individuals across the state."
