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Accounting

Xero Chairman Accepts Position in Trump Administration

Chris Liddell, the chairman of online small business accounting maker Xero, has been tapped by Donald Trump for an unspecified position within the incoming U.S. president's administration.

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Chris Liddell, the chairman of online small business accounting maker Xero, has been tapped by Donald Trump as “assistant to the president and director of strategic initiatives” within the incoming U.S. president’s administration.

Xero is based in New Zealand but has a noteworthy presence in the U.S. and around the world. Graham Smith, the current director of the company, will replace Liddell as chairman. The change will be effective January 20.

A New Zealand native, Liddell is CFO of the Hollywood-based global talent agency WME-IMG. According to Variety, “Liddell will head up what will be known within the White House as the Strategic Development Group, which will focus on unnamed “priority projects.” It will also be his job to interface with “private sector forums.”

“We wish him all the best in his exciting new role,” Xero Chief Executive Officer Rod Drury told Reuters in a written statement.

The appointment was announced earlier in the week, and has resulted in some customers voicing their dissatisfaction with the ties between the outspoken business mogul-turned politician and the software company. CEO Drury said the company does not have a position on U.S. politics.