Liddell may yet have another chance
Kiwi expat Chris Liddell is not likely to be too piqued after missing out on becoming US President Donald Trump’s top economic adviser, former colleagues say.
had reported that Liddell was in the running to head the White House’s National Economic Council.
But Trump instead appointed former CNBC television host Larry Kudlow to the key role overnight on Wednesday. Liddell has been contacted for comment.
A Kiwi who has worked closely with Liddell observed the White House was ‘‘a revolving door’’ and forecast the Matamata-born businessman would wait for his next opportunity for promotion.
Liddell was capable of being ‘‘very firm’’ but did not lose his cool and was not prone to Trumplike tantrums, he said.
He described Liddell as being capable, very focused on his career and still fond of his New Zealand roots, but ‘‘hard to warm to’’ and selective in the relationships he sought to build. ‘‘I think it is a case that if he is passed over this time, he’ll see what happens next.’’
The former Carter Holt Harvey boss and Microsoft and General Motors chief financial officer was appointed by Trump as an ‘‘assistant to the president’’ in the area of strategic initiatives in January last year.
The role has seen him attempt to build bridges between the Trump Administration and the US private sector.
Liddell was one of the advisers appointed to the Office of American Innovation. It was established in March last year with the goal of using ‘‘new thinking’’ to improve the quality of life of Americans by combining government resources ‘‘with the private sector’s innovation and creativity’’.
Trade Minister David Parker had suggested Liddell would have done what he could for New Zealand had he been appointed to the economic role.