President-elect Donald Trump said he is tapping Tom Barrack, the founder of Colony Capital LLC, to serve as ambassador to Turkey, elevating a longtime friend to a crucial diplomatic post.

The US billionaire's close ties with the president-elect and a portfolio in dealmaking could provide room for improvement in Ankara-Washington ties, according to experts.

Trump chose a former Fox News personality and a California billionaire for ambassadorships in his administration. Both positions require Senate confirmation.

He is a well-respected and experienced voice of reason to a wide range of thought leaders in both political and business circles,' US president-elect says in statement - Anadolu Ajansı

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Tom Barrack, a onetime private equity executive and fundraiser for Donald Trump, has been picked by the president-elect as the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Trump said on social media on Tuesday.

In November, Trump announced plans to nominate his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s father, Mr Charles Kushner, as ambassador to France and to appoint Mr Massad Boulos – the father-in-law of his youngest daughter Tiffany Trump – as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle East issues.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday picked Tom Barrack, businessperson and the chair of his 2017 inaugural committee, as the next ambassador

Trump picked Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host, as the next US ambassador to Greece and Tom Barrack the next ambassador to Turkey.