Meet Denise Campbell Bauer, the new US ambassador to France

The American Senate has confirmed the nomination of diplomat Denise Campbell Bauer as the new US ambassador to France, after her appointment was first designated by US President Joe Biden in July.

The majority of the chamber approved her post, making it official.

Ms Campbell Bauer, age 57, is an experienced diplomat who served as US ambassador to Belgium between 2013-2017. She was previously part of the Democratic party, and served on the presidential campaigns for former President Barack Obama.

She returned to the US after President Donald Trump’s victory, and took part in President Biden’s ultimately successful election campaign.

As a well-known advocate for helping women enter politics, in 2019 she became head of the ‘Women for Biden’ group.

Ms Campbell Bauer speaks French fluently. As part of the role, she will also be the US ambassador to Monaco.

When confirming the role, the White House highlighted Ms Campbell Bauer’s "collaborative leadership style, high ethics standards, and crisis management skills”.

A ceremony will now be hosted by President Macron at the Elysée, which will officially recognise Ms Campbell Bauer in her new role.

Her appointment comes as the US is seeking to repair relations with France after they soured following the controversial decision to sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, which killed a previous French deal to sell non-nuclear subs to Australia.

The change in the ambassador role is normal, and one of the key positions to be appointed following Mr Biden’s assumption of office in January.

Ms Campbell Bauer was preceded by Jamie McCourt, who departed in January.

In the interim, the embassy has been managed by Brian Aggeler, the chargé d’affaires, and his 1,500-strong team in France.

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