President Barack Obama Tuesday picked businessman John Bryson to serve as commerce secretary, seeking to further soothe testy ties with the private sector and spark export-led jobs growth. Obama said in a statement ahead of an on-camera announcement, that Bryson, the former head of Edison International, a leading energy firm "understands what it takes for America to succeed in a 21st century global economy."
"John will be an important part of my economic team, working with the business community, fostering growth, and helping open up new markets abroad to promote jobs and opportunities here at home." The White House said Bryson, who is also an environmental advocate after helping to form the Natural Resources Defence Council, had the ability to promote job creation, economic growth and sustainable development. Bryson, who needs to be confirmed by the Senate, would replace Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, the Chinese-American former Washington state governor whom Obama has nominated to be the next US ambassador to China.
"Mr Bryson will play a key role as a member of the president's economic team, bringing decades of knowledge and experience in the public and private sectors," an official said. Bryson, a director of Boeing and the Walt Disney Company, would also seek to offer "valuable ideas and initiatives to strengthen America's competitiveness around the world" as Obama seeks to double US exports in the next four years.