President Obama nominates next U.S. Ambassador to Sweden

On June 19, President Barack Obama announced his intent to submit to the U.S. Senate for approval the nomination of Mr. Matthew Barzun to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Sweden.

Mr. Barzun appeared before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee for his confirmation hearing on July 28, 2009. See the text of Mr. Barzun's statement for the Committee here. The Senate's decision on the nomination is expected in the coming weeks.

In reference to the nomination of Mr. Barzun and several others for ambassadorial posts President Obama said, “I am grateful that these fine individuals will serve in my administration and I am confident that they will well represent our nation abroad and help strengthen our relationships within the international community. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

U.S. Embassy Stockholm Chargé d' Affaires Robert Silverman said: "The Embassy community is excited with the nomination of Mr. Barzun, and we look forward to continuing our work in Sweden under Mr. Barzun's leadership following his confirmation by the Senate."

Mr. Barzun is the president at BrickPath LLC, where he advises and invests in Internet media companies. Prior to BrickPath, Mr. Barzun served as the Executive Vice President for CNET Networks' Business Technology group. Mr. Barzun was responsible for helping further cement the leadership position of CNET Networks' business technology brands, including News.com, ZDNet, TechRepublic, and Builder.com. Prior to that position, Mr. Barzun was chief strategy officer of CNET Networks, where he advised the CEO and the executive committee on business and organizational alignment across the company's divisions, including leading the efforts to define and communicate the company's mission, values, and corporate goals. Mr. Barzun graduated magna cum Laude from Harvard College.