Patricia King has been named as executive director for the California Olive Oil Council succeeding Patty Darragh who retired last fall after 22 years with the council.
King previously held roles in the e‑commerce, retail, and catalog, space, holding senior leadership roles with Neiman Marcus, Williams Sonoma, Trader Joe’s, and most recently Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, where she held the position of vice president of restaurant and retail.
“I am thrilled and honored to join the California Olive Oil Council and look forward to continuing its mission of encouraging consumption of certified California extra virgin olive oil through education, outreach and communications,” said King. “Our producers must annually pass strict sensory analysis and chemical tests which give consumers peace of mind that they are buying the highest quality extra virgin grade olive oil on the market.”
King will oversee staff as well as continue the council’s key initiatives including the “Why California?” campaign, which celebrates the California olive oil industry and the importance of the COOC seal.