People in the news

Jon Huntsman

Former U.S. Ambassador to China (2009 to 2011)

Why He Matters

The scion of a hyper-wealthy family and former two-term Republican governor from one of the reddest states in the union, Huntsman has made a surprising habit of sometimes bucking the establishment.

Huntsman did so again when he accepted the nomination as U.S. ambassador to China offered by Democratic President Obama. A former deputy assistant secretary of Commerce for East Asia and the Pacific and ex-U.S. ambassador to Singapore, Huntsman learned to speak Mandarin while on Mormon mission to Taiwan during college. He used his language skills to great effect while leading trade trips to China as governor.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Utah governor (2005-2009); Chairman and CEO, Huntsman Family Holdings Co. (2003 to 2004); U.S. Trade Ambassador (2001-2003); President, Huntsman Cancer Foundation (1995 to 2001)
  • Birthday: March 26, 1960
  • Hometown: Palo Alto, Calif.
  • Alma Mater: University of Pennsylvania, B.A., 1987; Attended University of Utah
  • Spouse: Kaye Huntsman
  • Religion: Mormon
  • Office: East Office Building, Suite E220, P.O. Box 142220, Salt Lake City, 84114
  • Web site