For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 25, 2001

President Bush to Nominate Brown to be Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Austria

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate Lyons Brown, Jr. to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Austria.

"Throughout his career, Lee Brown has been engaged in international business, gaining experience working with foreign governments in Western Europe.  His understanding of the important relationships between the United States and Europe makes him an excellent choice for Ambassador to the Republic of Austria," said the President.

Mr. Brown is the former Chairman and CEO of Brown-Forman Corporation in Louisville, Kentucky.  During his 35 years with Brown-Forman, he served in several positions including European Manager, Executive Vice President and Director of Marketing Worldwide and then President, CEO and Chairman.  He was appointed by President Reagan, reappointed by former President Bush and President Clinton to the President's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, serving from 1987 to 1994.  A Kentucky native, he is a graduate of the University of Virginia and also received a B.S. from the American Graduate School of International Management.

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