A director of Caterpillar Inc. who has "offered invaluable wisdom" to the company's executives since 2012 has been nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to Russia.

Jon Huntsman Jr., joined the Caterpillar Board of Directors in 2012 after serving for two years as the U.S. ambassador to China. He served as the governor of Utah from 2005 to 2009.

The White House announced Huntsman's nomination to fill the diplomatic post on Wednesday, citing his "distinguished career as a politician, diplomat and businessman."

Caterpillar in a statement lauded Huntsman as a "true statesman."

"Nominating Jon Huntsman to be the next U.S. ambassador to Russia is a strong reflection of his diplomatic and international trade experience and commitment to the United States," the statement read. "He is a true statesman. His service as a trade ambassador, a popular governor of Utah and his ambassadorships to Singapore and China provide the experience needed in a complex global environment."

The statement concluded: "As a member of Caterpillar's Board of Directors, Governor Huntsman has offered invaluable wisdom to our executives."

Huntsman also has served as the deputy U.S. trade representative, deputy assistant secretary of commerce for East Asian and Pacific affairs and deputy assistant secretary of commerce for trade development.

In addition to his directorship at Caterpillar, Huntsman sits on the boards for Hilton, Chevron and Ford Motor Co.

The former governor also serves as chairman of the Atlantic Council, a foreign policy think tank, and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.

Source: The Journal Star