Kiwi businessman Chris Liddell has missed out on the top economic role under US President Donald Trump.
Though the former Xero chairman was said to be one of the frontrunners for the role, he lost out to Larry Kudlow who will head the White House National Economic Council.
Mr Kudlow was one of Mr Trump's economic advisors during his presidential campaign.
He told CNBC Mr Trump called him, telling him his pick for the role would soon be announced on TV.
He said the President told him "You're on the air" and said he looked "handsome".
Just two weeks ago, Mr Kudlow tweeted a Washington Post editorial that was highly critical of Mr Trump's new taxes on aluminium and steel.
Gary Cohn, who previously held the economic advisor role, resigned last month reportedly over disagreements about the aluminium and steel tariffs.
Mr Liddell will still be part of Mr Trump's inner circle in his role as the White House Director of Strategic Initiatives.
Newshub.
