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Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta nominated as ambassador to Italy

Tilman Fertitta Shut Up and Listen book laughing

Tilman Fertitta will be the next U.S. ambassador to Italy.

Photo by J. Thomas Ford

Houston billionaire and Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has been nominated to serve as the United States ambassador to Italy, according to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

On Saturday, Trump sent the following statement via Truth Social Post:

I am pleased to announce that Tilman J. Fertitta has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy. 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. Additionally, Tilman is the longest serving Chairman of the Board of Regents for the University of Houston. He also owns the Houston Rockets Basketball Team. Congratulations to Tilman, and his remarkable family!

Fertitta, 67, also is the chairman, CEO, and president of Landry's Inc. and the chairman of the University of Houston's board of regents.

"It is an honor to be nominated to serve my country as ambassador to Italy and I look forward to the process ahead. Italy is such an extraordinary country with its wonderful people, culture, and history and its strategic importance to The United States of America," Fertitta said.

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Read the full story on CultureMap's news partner, ABC13.com.

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Expert guide to Houston's best thrift stores and more popular stories

Photo by Kalim

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Editor's note: It's time to catch up on Houston's top news of the week, from the city's best thrifting to a beloved book store's return. Read on for our most popular stories, then plan your weekend via this guide.

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The Marlene Inn wine garden. Photo by Studio Rivera

4. Sophisticated Houston Italian eatery quietly closes after 3 years. An Italian restaurant in Uptown has served its last meal. Tavola has closed, its owner, The Bastion Collection, announced on social media.

5. 6 Houston hotels declared 'World's Best' by Travel + Leisure. Houston's top-tier hospitality industry is continuing its winning streak. Six local hotels and resorts were lauded among the best hotels in the world, according to Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards.

All roads lead to Rome

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta nominated as ambassador to Italy

hot headlines

Expert guide to Houston's best thrift stores and more popular stories

Boutique Houston hotel steps up with 4 new suites, antiques shop, and more

6 Houston hotels declared 'World's Best' by Travel + Leisure

Celebrated Houston chef opens Midtown restaurant and more top stories