James Costos

James Costos is an American business executive, arts patron, and diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and concurrently to the Principality of Andorra from 2013 to 2017. Appointed by President Barack Obama, his tenure was marked by a focus on strengthening economic ties, promoting cultural diplomacy, and advancing shared security interests. Prior to his diplomatic service, he had a successful career in the entertainment and retail industries, holding senior positions at companies like HBO and Michele Lamy's retail ventures.

Early life and education

James Costos was born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, into a family of Greek and Spanish heritage. He attended local schools before pursuing higher education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he studied political science and international relations. His academic focus and multicultural background provided an early foundation for his later career in international business and diplomacy, fostering an interest in global affairs and cross-cultural exchange.

Career

Before his diplomatic appointment, Costos built a notable career in the private sector, primarily within the media and luxury retail industries. He served as the Vice President of Global Licensing and Retail for HBO, where he was instrumental in expanding the network's consumer products business internationally, working on brands like Game of Thrones and Sex and the City. Earlier, he held executive roles in the retail sector, including working with designer Michele Lamy on ventures in Los Angeles. His business acumen also extended to real estate, where he was an active investor and developer in Southern California, and he has been a longtime advocate for LGBT rights in the United States and HIV/AIDS awareness, serving on the board of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra

Nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate, Costos presented his credentials in Madrid in August 2013. His tenure as ambassador focused on reinforcing the strategic bilateral relationship between the United States and Spain, emphasizing areas of mutual interest such as foreign direct investment, defense cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts following threats from groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. He worked closely with Spanish leaders including King Felipe VI and Prime Ministers Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez. A significant aspect of his diplomacy was cultural outreach; he leveraged his entertainment industry experience to promote American culture and fostered exchanges in art, film, and education, often collaborating with institutions like the Museo del Prado and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. His concurrent accreditation to Andorra involved supporting economic and diplomatic ties with the small principality.

Personal life

Costos is married to interior designer and author Michael S. Smith, who was appointed by President Joe Biden as the White House Curator in 2021. The couple divides their time between Los Angeles, California, and Santa Barbara. They are prominent figures in the American art and design community, with a noted collection of contemporary art and a commitment to historic preservation. Their personal and professional partnership has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest and The New York Times.

Awards and recognition

For his diplomatic service, Costos was awarded the Department of State's Superior Honor Award. He has also received recognition from various Spanish institutions for his work strengthening bilateral relations, including honors from the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE). His contributions to arts advocacy and the LGBT community have been acknowledged by organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).

Category:American diplomats Category:Ambassadors of the United States to Spain Category:Ambassadors of the United States to Andorra Category:University of Massachusetts Lowell alumni