US EditionHouston’s Billionaire Power Player, Tilman Fertitta, Tapped to Bridge U.S.-Italy Relations
- Tilman Fertitta, a Houston billionaire and owner of the Houston Rockets, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 29, 2025, as ambassador to Italy and San Marino.
- His appointment followed a history of political support for Donald Trump, including fundraising and participation in COVID-19 business reopening efforts in Texas under Governor Greg Abbott.
- Fertitta aims to strengthen U.S.-Italy trade relations, focusing on closing the $43 billion trade deficit and enhancing cooperation with American energy companies amid Italy's openness to increased business.
- During his April 1 confirmation hearing, Fertitta stated, "There is so much more that can be done," highlighting Italian officials' excitement about having "an American, true entrepreneur" working with them.
- Upon confirmation, Fertitta will resign most of his business roles except ownership of the Rockets and is expected to represent U.S. Interests with a focus on fostering a strong bilateral relationship.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Houston’s Billionaire Power Player, Tilman Fertitta, Tapped to Bridge U.S.-Italy Relations
By Francis Page, Jr. Click here for updates on this story April 30, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a move that fuses Texas tenacity with international diplomacy, Houston’s very own billionaire mogul Tilman Fertitta has officially been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the next ambassador to Italy and San Marino — a high-profile appointment that signals a bold new chapter in America’s global engagement playbook. The Senate voted 83-14 on Ap…
Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta confirmed as U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino
HOUSTON (KIAH) — Houston's Tilman Fertitta, a billionaire businessman, has been confirmed as the U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino. In a letter from March 16 to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, Fertitta said that, if confirmed, he would resign as CEO of Landry's Incorporated. Fertitta-Tilman-finalEADownload He is expected to step down as chair of the University of Houston System Board of Regents, but he will retain his role as owner o…
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