Former prime minister Kevin Rudd has announced he will step down from his role as Australia's ambassador to the U.S.
Appointed in December 2022, Rudd will depart the position at the end of March, a year earlier than expected, and will serve as global president of the Asia Society thinktank.
He will will also lead the society’s Centre for China Analysis.
Before serving as ambassador, Rudd was president and chief executive of the Asia Society from 2021 to 2023.
U.S. President Donald Trump has still not named his own ambassador to Australia, a year into his second term.
Outside parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Rudd for his “tireless contribution” across his various parliamentary roles.
“On behalf of our nation we thank Kevin for his service to Australia and for taking forward Australia's interests with our closest security ally,” he said.
