WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Huntsman has previous diplomatic experience, including his role as envoy to China from 2009 to 2011 and to Singapore in the 1990s.
"Trump today announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key positions in his Administration… Governor John Huntsman Jr. of Utah to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Russian Federation," the release stated on Tuesday.
In the private sector he has headed a number of corporate executive boards including Hilton, Chevron, Ford Motor Company, and Caterpillar, the release noted.
US media first reported in March, citing Trump administration sources, that Huntsman had been offered the post of the US ambassador to Russia. Huntsman was said to have accepted the offer.