Jared Novelly (born 1974 or 1975) is an American businessman and diplomat who has served as the United States ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa since 2026. Novelly is the chairman of the Illawarra Hawks, an Australian basketball team he purchased in 2020 through his investment firm Crest Sports and Entertainment.
Early life and education Jared J. Novelly was born in St Louis, Missouri, in 1974 or 1975, the son of billionaire oil mogul Paul Novelly. After attending Christian Brothers College High School, Novelly attained a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University and a Masters of Property Development from the University of Technology Sydney.
Career Novelly first worked at a Blockbuster store before being employed by telecommunications company AT&T. While living in Missouri, Novelly also operated a real estate agency. He later served as a director of his family's company, the Apex Oil Corporation.
In 2004, Novelly sought to represent the 73rd district in the Missouri House of Representatives. After winning the Republican nomination unopposed, Novelly lost to incumbent Democratic representative Margaret Donnelly by nearly 38 points.
Novelly runs Crest Sports and Entertainment, a group with significant sporting-related investments in Asia and Australia. Novelly's company bought the Illawarra Hawks, an Australian basketball team, in 2020.
U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa On January 24, 2025, Donald Trump announced he would nominate Novelly to serve as United States ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 18, 2026, in a 46–43 vote.
On July 1, 2026, Novelly assumed office as United States ambassador to New Zealand; on July 28, he visited Samoa to present his diplomatic credentials, formally making him the United States ambassador to Samoa.
Personal life Novelly is a billionaire. From 2022 until his appointment as ambassador, he spent most of his time in Australia.
Political activity Novelly is a Republican megadonor. An initial support of Nikki Haley's 2024 presidential campaign, he later donated to Trump.
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