Robert H. Tuttle

Robert H. Tuttle is an American businessman, philanthropist, and diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom under President George W. Bush. A longtime figure in California political and business circles, his career has spanned the automotive industry, higher education governance, and significant political fundraising. Tuttle's tenure in London focused on strengthening the Special Relationship and managing a broad diplomatic portfolio during a period marked by the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War.

Early life and education

Robert Holmes Tuttle was born on June 4, 1945, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Holmes Tuttle, a prominent automobile dealer and a founding member of the so-called "Kitchen Cabinet" that advised President Ronald Reagan. He attended the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles before enrolling at the University of Southern California. At USC, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and later a Juris Doctor from the USC Gould School of Law.

Career

Following his education, Tuttle joined the family automobile business, Holmes Tuttle Ford, eventually becoming its president. His business acumen extended to other ventures, including serving on the board of the First Federal Bank of California. Parallel to his business career, Tuttle became deeply involved in Republican politics and fundraising in California. He held several appointed roles, including Director of Presidential Personnel in the White House Office under President Reagan, where he was responsible for key appointments across the Executive Office of the President. He later served as a national co-chairman for the 1988 presidential campaign of George H. W. Bush.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom

In 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Tuttle to be the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He presented his credentials to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in July 2005. His diplomatic tenure coincided with significant events in the Special Relationship, including continued cooperation in the War in Afghanistan and the ongoing Iraq War. Ambassador Tuttle managed a large mission at the U.S. Embassy in London and worked to foster transatlantic trade and cultural ties. His term concluded with the end of the Bush administration in January 2009.

Later roles and corporate boards

After his diplomatic service, Tuttle returned to business and philanthropic endeavors. He has served on the boards of several major corporations, including Capital Group Companies, AECOM, and Wynn Resorts. In the realm of education, he has been a longtime member and former chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Southern California. His civic engagements include roles with the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

Personal life

Tuttle married Maria Hummer in 1970. The couple has two children and resides in Los Angeles. He is a noted philanthropist, with charitable interests centered on education, healthcare, and the arts in Southern California. Along with his wife, he has been a major donor to institutions like the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Category:1945 births Category:American businesspeople Category:American diplomats Category:Ambassadors of the United States to the United Kingdom Category:University of Southern California alumni Category:Living people