US president-elect Barack Obama has named New Mexico governor Bill Richardson as the new secretary of commerce, replacing Carlos Gutierrez.
Richardson previously served as an ambassador to the United Nations and, prior to becoming governor, represented New Mexico in Congress for 15 years. He is now serving his second term as governor and will continue in that role until confirmed as secretary of commerce by the US Senate.
As head of the US Department of Commerce, Richardson will oversee a number of agencies, including the USPTO.
In a statement made following Obama’s announcement last week, Richardson said that the Department of Commerce plays a unique role in rejuvenating the American economy and promised: “America will once again be at the forefront of innovation, especially in the new frontier of energy independence and clean energy jobs, and we will restore our position of respect in the world.”
Carlos Gutierrez said that Richardson’s “strong international experience” will be helpful: “Richardson has the credibility and expertise to negotiate with our foreign partners and ensure that American businesses and workers have open markets and a fair playing field on which to compete.”