Trump names Lewis Eisenberg to represent US in Italy.

Lewis Eisenberg, a 75-year-old financier and veteran New Jersey Republican fundraiser, has been named to represent Washington in Italy and San Marino.

Once his nomination by President Trump is approved by the US senate, Eisenberg will replace John R. Phillips who has returned to America after serving in Italy since 2013.

Born in Illinois, Eisenberg grew up in Chicago before embarking on his financial career on Wall Street. He worked for Goldman Sachs for more than two decades before founding his own investment firm in the 1990s.

Eisenberg went on to become head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. As part of his responsibilities he oversaw the management of the Twin Towers, including during the time of the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

Kelly Degnan is acting as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the US embassy in Rome.