Bush picks entrepreneur for ambassador to NZ

United States President George Bush has decided who he wants to nominate as ambassador to New Zealand.

The United States Embassy in Wellington said President Bush announced he would nominate William McCormick of Oregon to the role.

He would also serve as ambassador to Samoa.

Mr McCormick was co-founder and chairman of McCormick and Schmick Management Group. He opened the company's first McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Restaurant thirty years ago.

Previously Mr McCormick co-owned Refectory International.

Earlier in his career, he served in the United States Army Reserve.

- NZPA