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Obama names Kenney's successor

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/20/2009 5:01 PM

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MANILA - United States President Barack Obama has nominated a career diplomat to replace outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney.

Harry Thomas Jr. was named by Obama as new ambassador to the Philippines, Kenney said in a statement released Friday. His nomination still has to be confirmed by the US Senate, so Kenney will have the opportunity to strengthen relations between the 2 countries over the coming months.

"It is with great pleasure that I learned that President Obama has named my successor. Ambassador-designate Harry Thomas is a personal friend of mine, an exceptional diplomat, and a wonderful person," Kenney said.

After serving as US Ambassador to the Philippines for more than 3 and a half years, Kenney said she needs to return to the US "for personal and professional reasons."

"It has been a true pleasure to live in this beautiful country, and to lead the US Embassy in efforts to partner with the government and people of the Philippines for the greater good of Americans and Filipinos alike," she said.

Thomas is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, and served most recently as Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources. He previously served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Department.

He joined the Foreign Service in 1984 and served as US Ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. Thomas also served in the White House as the Director for South Asia at the National Security Council from 2001 to 2002.

Thomas' other postings include Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Peru.