Pebble Beach Co., the owner of some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses, including two which are hosting the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am this weekend, has appointed highly-regarded former Justice Department lawyer Patrick Hovakimian as its chief legal officer. This move comes three years after Hovakimian switched from public service to the private sector, joining partner Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman in Washington.
Speaking about his new role, Hovakimian expressed his affection for Pebble Beach. Despite acknowledging that he is not an avid golfer, he stated his excitement for the opportunity to live and work in the revered coastal community of Pebble Beach, California.
This appointment serves as a homecoming for the 40-year-old California native, who is now in charge of a privately-held company valued at over $3 billion. Since 1999, Pebble Beach has been owned by a consortium led by business executives Peter Ueberroth and the late Dick Ferris, alongside the likes of actor Clint Eastwood, golfing legend Arnold Palmer, and former CEO Bill Perocchi.
During his tenure, Hovakimian intends to focus on issues such as litigation, land use, real estate, regulatory, corporate, and intellectual property. It’s worth noting that Hovakimian has an illustrious track record in public service, having previously worked in the Trump administration’s Justice Department as the associate deputy attorney general, among other roles. Interestingly, his move to Pebble Beach reunites him with former Latham & Watkins peer David Stivers, who assumed the role of CEO in 2021 after leading the company’s legal operations.
Pebble Beach Co., famously recognized by its trademark of a lone cypress tree standing on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean, has been involved in disputes over the years regarding the protection of this iconic image. The company has regularly sought the counsel of external lawyers, using firms such as Latham, Morrison & Foerster, and Snell & Wilmer.
As one of the most distinguished companies in the golfing industry, Pebble Beach Co.’s future moves under the guidance of Patrick Hovakimian will undoubtedly pique the interest of a wide range of stakeholders.