Texas Billionaire Tilman Fertitta Picked for Italy Ambassador

Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta’s next move could take him from the boardroom to the embassy.

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Fertitta as the next U.S. Ambassador to Italy, the Houston Chronicle reported. Trump highlighted the billionaire’s vast business experience and significant philanthropic contributions in a post on his Truth Social platform.

“Tilman is an accomplished businessman, who has founded and built one of our country’s premier entertainment and real estate companies,” Trump wrote. “He 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.”

At 67, Fertitta’s rise in the restaurant and hospitality business is being matched by his extensive development ambitions, particularly in Houston’s River Oaks District.

As the head of Landry’s, he controls a vast network of restaurants, hotels, casinos and entertainment venues across the U.S.

Should the Senate approve the nomination, Fertitta will take over from Jack Markell, who has served as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy since September 2023.

Fertitta has close relationships with key political figures in Texas, including Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott appointed Fertitta to the University of Houston System Board of Regents a few years ago.

At a recent Houston event hosted by The Real Deal, Fertitta shared insights into his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of location in real estate decisions, particularly for his restaurant ventures.

Asked about his recent $30 million acquisition of Keens Steakhouse in New York City, Fertitta said the value of the real estate itself played a critical role in the purchase

“The price of real estate can always go up. The restaurant might not, but the real estate will,” he said.

— Andrew Terrell