US President-elect Donald Trump has named Mark Burnett, the British television executive behind The Apprentice, as his special envoy to the United Kingdom.

Trump announced the appointment on Saturday, describing Burnett as a “distinguished figure” who would enhance diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“Mark will work to strengthen US-UK relations by focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” Trump said in a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social. “It is a great honour to appoint him to this role.”

Burnett, best known for creating and producing The Apprentice—the reality TV show that helped catapult Trump to mainstream fame—expressed gratitude for the appointment.

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

The 64-year-old Essex native served as a British Army paratrooper before emigrating to the US in 1982. Over a decades-long career in television, Burnett has produced numerous successful reality shows, including Survivor and Shark Tank (the US adaptation of Dragon’s Den). His work has earned him 13 Emmy Awards and established him as a major player in the entertainment industry.

Burnett’s position as special envoy will focus on fostering trade and cultural initiatives but is separate from the ambassadorial role. While Trump has already nominated billionaire Warren Stephens as US ambassador to the UK—a position requiring Senate confirmation—Burnett’s envoy role does not require such approval.

Trump praised Burnett’s “unique blend of business expertise and international recognition,” noting that his background would make him a valuable asset in strengthening the historic US-UK partnership.

Burnett’s longstanding relationship with Trump began with The Apprentice, which aired from 2008 to 2015. The show was a major success, bolstering Trump’s celebrity status and leading to his eventual political rise.

As Trump prepares to take office next month, Burnett’s appointment highlights the president-elect’s preference for trusted allies and figures from his pre-political career to play key roles in his administration.