UK Edition
Donald Trump selects Woody Johnson, billionaire New York Jets owner, as UK ambassador
Donald Trump has selected Woody Johnson, the billionaire owner of the New York Jets American football team, to serve as his ambassador to the UK.
Mr Trump referred to the forthcoming posting during remarks at a pre-inauguration luncheon, and the selection was later confirmed by a transition official.
Mr Trump offered Mr Johnson, 69, public congratulations at the luncheon and said he was "going to Saint James", a reference to the official title of Ambassador of the United States to the Court of St James's.
Though the seemingly-unscripted announcement appeared to catch some attendees off guard, Mr Johnson is not a surprising choice. He was a top donor to Mr Trump during the presidential campaign, and was named in November as finance chair of his inaugural committee.
A long-time Republican donor, Mr Johnson helped raise money for George W Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney when they were the party's nominees. He served as finance chairman for Jeb Bush earlier in the 2016 campaign.
Mr Johnson's great grandfather founded Johnson & Johnson, the medical supplies manufacturer. He has not previously held a government appointment.
Mr Johnson will be nominated to replace Matthew Barzun, who stepped down on Wednesday after three years as America's representative in London.