Mark Burnett: Trump picks Apprentice producer 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 Britain.

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

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

Burnett said in a statement: “I am truly honored to be serving the United Kingdom as President Trump’s special envoy to the United States of America.”

He created and produced The Apprentice, along with other reality TV programs, winning 13 Emmy Awards.

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

The president-elect, who will take office next month. It has already chosen billionaire donor Warren Stephens as its ambassador. While Britain needs US Senate confirmation for Stephens’ nomination, Burnett’s role requires no such approval.

Burnett, 64, grew up in Essex and served as a paratrooper in the army before emigrating to the US in 1982, when he was 22.

He worked for MGM and became a prominent figure in reality television.

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

He starred in The Apprentice from 2008-15, helping propel Trump, a real estate developer, to new heights of fame.

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

He was instrumental in planning Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.

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

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

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

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

“Furthermore, my wife and I reject the hate, division and misogyny that has 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 “much worse” remarks on the show’s recording.

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