Gordon Sondland

Gordon Sondland official photo

Gordon Sondland

Gordon Sondland (born July 16, 1957) is an American diplomat and businessman who served as the United States Ambassador to the European Union from 2018 to 2020. He is the founder and former chairman of Provenance Hotels, a hotel management company based in Portland, Oregon.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Sondland was born in Seattle, Washington, to a Jewish family. He attended the University of Washington but did not complete his degree. Instead, he entered the business world, initially working in commercial real estate.

Business Career[edit | edit source]

In 1985, Sondland founded Provenance Hotels, which owns and manages a portfolio of boutique hotels across the United States. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, acquiring and developing properties in cities such as Portland, Seattle, and Nashville.

Political Involvement[edit | edit source]

Sondland has been a significant donor to various political campaigns and causes. He initially supported Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign and later donated to Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. His contributions and support for Trump led to his nomination as the United States Ambassador to the European Union.

Ambassadorship[edit | edit source]

Sondland was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 28, 2018, and presented his credentials to the European Union on July 9, 2018. During his tenure, he was involved in several key issues, including trade negotiations and the Ukraine scandal.

Ukraine Scandal[edit | edit source]

Sondland became a central figure in the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump in 2019. He testified before the House of Representatives that there was a quid pro quo involving U.S. military aid to Ukraine and investigations into Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. His testimony was considered pivotal in the impeachment proceedings.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Sondland is married to Katherine Durant, and they have two children. The family resides in Portland, Oregon. Sondland is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of arts and education.