Donald Trump has appointed the creator of The Apprentice, Mark Burnett, as special envoy to the UK.
In his announcement, on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump described Burnett as the producer of some of the biggest shows in TV history.
Burnett and Trump were twice nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Program for The Apprentice in 2004 and 2005 but lost both times to The Amazing Race.
The president-elect also touched on Burnett’s role as the former chairman of MGM and as the winner of 13 Emmys.
Aside from The Apprentice, Burnett was also the creative force behind Survivor, Shark Tank, and The Voice.
Trump’s social media post said: ‘It is my great honour to appoint Mark Burnett as the Special Envoy to the United Kingdom.
‘With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic acumen and international recognition to this important role.
‘Mark is known for creating and producing some of the biggest shows in Television History, including ‘Survivor,’ ‘Shark Tank,’ ‘The Voice’ and, most notably, ‘The Apprentice.’
‘He is the former Chairman of MGM, and has won 13 Emmy Awards’.
‘Mark will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges.’
Trump was picked by show creator Burnett at the age of 57 to star in The Apprentice in 2003, primarily because he was a household name thanks to being a tabloid star through the 1990s.
While claiming to be New York City’s most successful real estate developer, Trump was re-emerging from a turbulent decade that had seen him declare bankruptcy on a number of his empire’s offshoot businesses.
He faced financial collapse after his Atlantic City casinos struggled, alongside stalled plans to open more golf courses and skyscrapers across America that were hemorrhaging money.
But despite this lack of progress – which would reverse course in subsequent years as Trump’s own personal brand soared – the businessman would quickly land on America’s screens as a high-flying billionaire.
Trump catapulted from The Apprentice to rebuild his celebrity billionaire image before his presidential ambitions took hold with Burnett taking a share of the credit for his new-found stardom.
The news comes after several controversial picks for Trump’s Cabinet including former Fox News presenter Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary and soon-to-be Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.
A spokesperson for Burnett said that he was ‘truly honoured to serve The United States of America and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom’, in a statement to Variety.
Burnett’s role will differ from that of the ambassador of the UK, which has already been awarded to one of his top donors Warren Stephens, a billionaire investment banker.