Jon M. Huntsman Jr. Elected as the Chair of World Trade Center Utah

Jon M. Huntsman Jr. is the new chair of World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah). With members and partners across the state, including the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, WTC Utah accelerates growth for Utah companies and elevates Utah’s global status to promote prosperity and build economic resilience.

“Ambassador Huntsman’s unparalleled international expertise, extensive business experience, and substantial role in founding WTC Utah uniquely qualify him to serve the state and Utah business community in this capacity,” said Scott Anderson, outgoing chair of WTC Utah.  “We are fortunate for his willingness to lead our efforts to make Utah the ‘crossroads of the world.’”

“I am grateful that Ambassador Huntsman has once again responded to the call to serve,” said Governor Spencer J. Cox.  “His service in this important role on ‘Team Utah’ will ensure that our global engagement is a means to an end in accelerating growth for Utah businesses and providing economic opportunity for families and individuals across the state.”

Beyond his well-known diplomatic experience serving as U.S. ambassador to Russia, China, and Singapore, Huntsman is a seasoned international business leader, having served in senior executive roles for the Huntsman Corporation and as a director on the boards of Ford Motor Company, Chevron, and other multinational corporations.

Additionally, Huntsman held multiple federal trade assignments, including two years as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative in President George W. Bush’s administration. Across all of his trade roles, Huntsman negotiated or brokered dozens of trade and investment agreements in Asia Pacific and Africa. Huntsman began his public career as a White House staff assistant to President Ronald Reagan.

While serving as Utah’s 16th Governor, Huntsman saw an opportunity for Utah to play a larger role in the global marketplace. Working with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and influential business leaders across the state, Huntsman founded WTC Utah. WTC Utah became an official member of the World Trade Centers Association in April 2007.