US President Joe Biden has named Karine Jean-Pierre as his next press secretary for the White House.

She will replace Jen Psaki, who will depart the role on May 13th.

Jean-Pierre will be the first black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve as White House press secretary.

In a statement on Thursday, President Biden also thanked Psaki.

"Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris administration on behalf of the American people.

"Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House briefing room.

"I want to say thank you to Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humor while doing so.

"I thank Jen her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward", he adds.

Karine Jean-Pierre is seen during a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC in May 2021. Picture by: American Photo Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Born in Martinique and raised in New York, Jean-Pierre is a graduate of Columbia University. Her partner is CNN journalist Suzanne Malveaux.

She is a long-time advisor to President Biden - having served in senior communication and political roles in the Biden administration, the Biden campaign, and to then-Vice President Biden under Barack Obama.

Prior to her role on the campaign, Jean-Pierre served as an NBC and MSNBC political analyst.

She has also served as a regional political director for Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, deputy campaign manager for Martin O'Malley for President, and campaign manager for the ACLU's Reproductive Freedom Initiative.

The White House also announced the return of Anita Dunn as a senior advisor and assistant to President Biden.

She rejoins the White House from her communications and political consulting firm, and "will assist in advancing the President's policy and communications objectives", the White House adds.

Main image: Karine Jean-Pierre is seen during a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC in July 2021. Picture by: White House Photo / Alamy Stock Photo