From developer to diplomat

(JB) The US Ambassador to Luxembourg has been confirmed by unanimous consent in the Senate as Robert A. Mandell and could arrive within weeks.

The real estate developer, who was nominated in June this year, is a well-known supporter of US President Barack Obama, having donated 30,000 dollars to the leader's 2008 election campaign.

Mr Mandell, from Florida, reportedly gave a further 50,000 dollars to the inauguration committee. He has also served on the boards of directors for several health institutions and on local government panels in the fields of education and transport.

In 2010, Obama appointed Mandell to the President’s Export Council, a White House group that advises on matters of international trade.

The US Embassy to Luxembourg expects the new Ambassador to arrive and take up his position in the coming weeks.

President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg Paul Schonenberg said: "My colleagues and I in the American Chamber of Commerce, and indeed all of the American Community, are looking forward with both anticipation and pleasure to the arrival of the new American Ambassador, Robert Mandell, who has just been confirmed to his new position by the US Congress.

"Ambassador Mandell will bring a strong business perspective in support of the US community and the long-term historically close and very positive partnership between Luxembourg and the United States. We look forward to welcoming him into our ‘extended family’ and working with him to further strengthen the already great relationships between the US and Luxembourg at all levels."

Mr Mandell replaces Cynthia Stroum, who left in January. Chargé d’affaires David R. Fetter has managed the mission in the interim.