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Matthew Barzun

Matthew Barzun's headshot

Matthew Barzun

  • Former U.S. Ambassador to the UK and Sweden; Chair & Publisher, Tortoise Media

Matthew Barzun is a media entrepreneur, author, and former diplomat. He currently serves as chair and publisher of Tortoise Media, the London-based online news service he co-founded with the former Director of BBC News. He is also owner and publisher of Louisville Magazine. His book about organizations, The Power of Giving Away Power, was published by Penguin/Portfolio in 2021. Previously, Matthew served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom (2013 to 2017) and to Sweden (2009 to 2011). Earlier in his career, he was closely involved in the pioneer stage of the internet publishing business, serving in executive roles at CNET. Matthew serves on the board of the National Constitution Center and has served on the boards of corporations and many non-profit organizations focused on education, civics, and interfaith relations, including the local NPR affiliate, Louisville Public Media. Matthew grew up in Lincoln, Massachusetts and resides in Louisville, Kentucky with his wife, Brooke, and, occasionally, their three college-aged children. He is a graduate of Harvard College.