WASHINGTON -- President-elect Donald Trump appeared set Wednesday to choose businessman William Hagerty, a key member of his transition team, as the next U.S. ambassador to Japan.

The pick will be announced soon. The Tennessee native joined Trump's transition team in the summer and now serves as director of presidential appointments. Hagerty previously spent three years in Tokyo while with Boston Consulting Group. He went on to co-found private equity firm Hagerty Peterson after starting his career in the field at Trident Capital.

Hagerty appears to have requested the Japan ambassador post. The appointment requires Senate confirmation.

Hagerty's business success makes him a natural fit for the Trump team. He has close links to the Republican Party establishment, having served in the George H.W. Bush White House as a policy adviser and as a member of Mitt Romney's campaign for president in 2012.

Figures such as Bobby Valentine, a former manager of baseball teams including the New York Mets and Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines, were also rumored to be possible successors to current Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.

Trump's choice for the post will follow other high-profile diplomatic picks, including ambassadors to China and Israel.