T
ilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, may be leaving the boardroom for a diplomatic post. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Fertitta as the next U.S. Ambassador to Italy, according to the Houston Chronicle. Trump praised Fertitta's business acumen and philanthropic efforts on his Truth Social platform, highlighting his accomplishments in building a premier entertainment and real estate company.

    Fertitta, 67, has been expanding his business empire through Landry's, which includes restaurants, hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues across the U.S. His development ambitions are particularly evident in Houston's River Oaks District. If confirmed by the Senate, Fertitta would succeed Jack Markell as Ambassador to Italy.

    Fertitta has strong ties with Texas politicians, including Governor Greg Abbott, who appointed him to the University of Houston System Board of Regents. In a recent interview, Fertitta emphasized the importance of location in real estate decisions, citing his $30 million acquisition of Keens Steakhouse in New York City as an example where the value of the property itself drove the purchase decision.