Ambassador Leandro “Lee” Rizzuto is a distinguished American business leader, philanthropist, and public servant whose career spans global enterprise, public policy, and diplomacy. In 2024, President Donald J. Trump nominated him as U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), and he was sworn in at the White House in October 2025. He previously served as U.S. Consul General in Bermuda, advancing U.S. diplomatic and economic priorities in the Atlantic region.

Ambassador Rizzuto built a decades-long career at Conair Corporation, rising from warehouse operations to Senior Vice President of Global Professional Business Units. He launched more than 1,000 products, earned 25 U.S. patents, and helped expand Conair’s reach to 125 countries, driving over $2.5 billion in annual sales. His leadership emphasized innovation, market growth, and excellence in global manufacturing.

A leading figure in the professional beauty industry, he served as Chairman of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and Board Member of North American Beauty Events (Cosmoprof), transforming Cosmoprof into North America’s top beauty trade show. He is also the Publisher and Creator of Style Source Magazine, the largest multilingual beauty publication distributed to salons worldwide.

Ambassador Rizzuto has served on the boards of the National Italian American Foundation, Villa Firenze Foundation, American Beauty Association, Ferguson Library, and the American University of Rome, among others. His leadership and philanthropy have earned recognition from Helping a Hero, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the Boy Scouts of America, and the American Cancer Society, including honors such as the Helping a Hero Patriot Award, UNICO Garibaldi Award, Trinacria D’Oro, and Grand Marshal of the Stamford Columbus Day Parade.

Ambassador Rizzuto embodies a lifelong commitment to innovation, patriotism, and service—championing American values and fostering meaningful partnerships across the Americas.