California’s Kounalakis Renamed State’s Top Foreign Trade Representative

Eleni Kounalakis takes the oath of office, administered by Gov. Gavin Newsom, to serve a second term as California lieutenant governor in Sacramento on Jan. 2, 2023. Courtesy of the Office of Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Dec. 30 redesignating Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis as his top international trade representative.

Kounalakis, a former U.S. ambassador, was sworn into office as lieutenant governor on Jan. 2, beginning her second term in the position. She has served as the governor’s representative for the Affairs and Trade Development Interagency Committee since 2019, promoting trade, investment, and international relations on behalf of the administration.

“I am honored to continue representing California on the global stage as we further strengthen our international partnerships, advance our economic interests, equitably serve all Californians, and meet the climate crisis,” Kounalakis said in a statement.

Her role on the committee expires in December 2026.

Newsom praised Kounalakis for her past work.

“Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis has been a critical partner in advancing the state’s interests abroad and I thank her for her leadership in ensuring that we continue to strengthen our global partnerships to drive economic growth and prosperity in California and beyond,” he said in a statement.

As a gateway for U.S. international trade, California exports to over 220 foreign countries and accounts for almost 10 percent of the nation’s overall exported products, according to the governor’s office.