The United States’ newly appointed ambassador to the Philippines, Lee Lipton, has arrived in Manila to begin his diplomatic posting as Washington and Manila continue to commemorate 80 years of bilateral relations.

In a social media post on Sunday, the US Embassy in the Philippines welcomed Lipton’s arrival and expressed optimism about his leadership.

“Welcome back to the Philippines, US Ambassador Lee Lipton! We look forward to your leadership as we continue to mark #USPH80 and #Freedom250,” the embassy said in a social media post Sunday.

The embassy also reaffirmed the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States under the theme “Friends, Partners, Allies.”

Lipton succeeded Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, who served in Manila for more than three years.

A businessman from Florida, Lipton is the first noncareer American diplomat appointed as US ambassador to the Philippines in recent history.

Before his appointment, he served as interim permanent representative of the US Mission to the Organization of American States.

Before entering public service, Lipton built and led an apparel business in New York City, overseeing licensed collections for international brands including Calvin Klein, St. John Knits and Guess.

He later expanded into the hospitality industry, owning several oceanfront restaurants in Florida.