Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Kevin Rudd, Australian ambassador to the United States, will conclude his US posting, moving onto another role.
“Doctor Kevin Rudd AC will conclude his posting as Australia’s ambassador to the United States at the end of March 2026,” Mr Albanese announced on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister described the time Dr Rudd has held the role as “complex”.
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“It has been a complex area that has seen a change of presidency. Kevin Rudd developed relationships across the board, across Congress, across Senate, across Democrat and Republican members, and of course, across officials.”
Dr Rudd has decided to accept the role of global president of leading international relations think tank, the Asia Society, which has recently become vacant and which Dr Rudd headed between 2021-2023. Dr Rudd will also head the Society’s Centre for China Analysis, Mr Albanese said.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Dr Rudd had been “an excellent ambassador”.
“We thank him for his tireless contribution to Australia’s national interests over the last three years,” Senator Wong said.
Senator Wong acknowledged Mr Rudd’s contributions in securing the Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Framework Agreement with the US, which is now being implemented across multiple mining and processing projects which benefiting both our countries.
“Kevin’s helped billions of dollars investment and collaboration, including AI, data quantum in sectors that will strengthen the Australian economy and our security for decades to come,” she added.
“He’s put Australia’s superannuation industry on the map, with the United States turbocharging US engagement investment credentials as a financial services centre of the Indo-Pacific.
Both Mr Albanese and Senator Wong acknowledged Dr Rudd’s role in securing the return of Julian Assange to Australia in 2024.
The Prime Minister confirmed Dr Rudd will conclude his posting on March 31, 2026. An announcement regarding Australia’s new ambassador to the United States will take place in due course.
