US President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday announced that Landry’s CEO and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta will serve as the next US ambassador to Italy. Fertitta is known for his significant charitable contributions, supporting causes such as children’s welfare, law enforcement, and healthcare.
“I am pleased to announce that Tilman J. Fertitta has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy,” Trump wrote on his ‘Truth Social’ platform.
Who is Tilman Fertitta?
Tilman Fertitta is a prominent entrepreneur who founded and expanded one of the leading entertainment and real estate companies in the US, employing approximately 50,000 Americans.
Fertitta is also known for his extensive philanthropic efforts, supporting causes such as children’s welfare, law enforcement, and healthcare.
“Tilman is an accomplished businessman, who has founded and built one of our country’s premier entertainment and real estate companies, employing approximately 50,000 Americans. Tilman has a long history of giving back to the community through numerous philanthropic initiatives, which include children’s charities, law enforcement, and the medical community,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Fertitta’s role in university leadership
Fertitta holds the record as the longest-serving Chairman of the Board of Regents at the University of Houston and is the owner of the Houston Rockets basketball team.
“Tilman is the longest-serving Chairman of the Board of Regents for the University of Houston. He also owns the Houston Rockets Basketball Team,” Trump said.
‘World’s richest restaurateur’
Houston businessman Tilman Fertitta, known as the “world’s richest restaurateur,” controls over 600 properties across 36 US states and more than 15 countries through his company, Landry’s, according to his website. These holdings include a diverse range of over 80 restaurant brands and a collection of signature eateries. Fertitta has supported Republican candidates in multiple elections.
Owner of casinos and hotels
Fertitta’s business interests extend beyond restaurants. He owns five Golden Nugget Casinos and Hotels across the US and operates online gaming in New Jersey. In Texas, his properties include the San Luis Resort, The Westin Houston Downtown, and several other hotels. He also owns The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, which holds both Forbes Five Star and AAA Five-Diamond designations. Entertainment venues like the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, The Kemah Boardwalk, Downtown Aquarium in Denver and Houston, and the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio are also part of his portfolio.
Fertitta’s media presence
Fertitta’s sharp business instincts earned him his own CNBC reality show, “Billion Dollar Buyer.” He frequently appears as a commentator on business and sports programs across networks such as CNBC, MSNBC, Bloomberg, ESPN, and Fox. His 2019 book, Shut Up and Listen, became a bestseller.
