Fireside chat with US Ambassador to the EU + Q&A

Ambassador Andrew Puzder arrived in Brussels in August 2025 to assume his position as the United States Ambassador to the European Union.

Ambassador Puzder is a globally renowned business leader, political commentator, author, attorney, and retired chief executive officer. He served for nearly 17 years as the CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., an international corporation which owns restaurant chains Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, where he successfully guided the company out of significant financial challenges. Overseeing CKE’s significant global expansion provided Ambassador Puzder with opportunities to engage with international stakeholders and businesses from around the world. Under his leadership, CKE expanded to over 3,800 restaurants across 45 states and 40 foreign countries – employing over 115,000 individuals worldwide.

Ambassador Puzder is a frequent lecturer on economics and politics, addressing a variety of associations and academic institutions. He is a sought-after commentator on economic issues and public policy, contributing to prominent publications such as the Wall Street Journal, National Review, Fox News Online, and RealClearPolitics and writing several books that cemented his position as a leading voice in economic discourse.

Ambassador Puzder earned his BS degree from Cleveland State University and JD degree from Washington University School of Law. Ambassador Puzder will bring his broad understanding of international economic development and decades of experience in a range of professional settings to advance U.S. interests as the U. S. Ambassador to the EU.