Trump picks The Apprentice creator Mark Burnett as UK envoy

US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed British TV executive Mark Burnett, who produced him on The Apprentice, as his special envoy to the UK.

Trump said it was a “great honor” for him to choose his former aide for the role, which is separate from the post of US ambassador to Britain.

“Mark will work to enhance diplomatic relations by focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities and cultural exchanges,” he said.

“I am truly honored to serve the United States and President Trump as his Special Envoy to the United Kingdom,” Burnett said in a statement.

He created The Apprentice and produced it along with several other reality TV programs and won 13 Emmy Awards.

“With a distinguished career in television production and business, Mark brings a unique blend of diplomatic skills and international recognition to this important role,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday.

Newly elected President, who will take office next month has already chosen billionaire donor Warren Stephens as its ambassador For Britain. While Stephens’ nomination requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Burnett’s role does not require such approval.

Burnett, 64, was brought up in Essex and served as a paratrooper in the Army before moving to the US in 1982 when he was 22.

He worked for MGM and became known as an important figure in reality television.

In addition to creating and producing The Apprentice, Burnett created formats such as Survivor, The Voice and Shark Tank – the American version of Dragons’ Den.

He helped real estate developer Trump rise to new heights of fame by starring in The Apprentice from 2008-15.

Burnett became president of MGM Television in December 2015, but stepped down in 2022 when Amazon acquired the studio.

He had a role in planning Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.

Burnett told the BBC in 2010 that Trump was “fearless” and “a big, strong tough guy”.

Burnett said, “He’s a very straight-laced normal guy and he’s a really loyal friend and, as I’ve seen him with many other people, not the kind of enemy you would want.”

Trump’s first run for president as the Republican nominee in 2016 was thrown into jeopardy when tapes surfaced of him telling Access Hollywood presenter Billy Bush that “When you’re a star you can do anything for women.” Can do”.

Burnett issued a statement at the time denying that he was a Trump supporter.

“Furthermore, my wife and I reject the hatred, division and misogyny that have been a very unfortunate part of his campaign,” he said. Burnett is married to Londonderry-born actress Roma Downey.

Another former producer of The Apprentice later claimed that Trump was heard making “very nasty” comments in a recording of the show.

But Burnett rejected Trump’s demand to release all of the outtakes, saying he was unable to do so and citing “various contractual and legal requirements.”