Richard King has been active in the international trade and investment field for over 35 years as a corporate executive, government official and private consultant. He is a recognized authority on United States - Pacific Rim business relations, and he founded King International Group to carry out his personal commitment to strengthening those relations.

Prior to establishing the firm in 1980, Richard held management positions in international business development for 12 years with Kaiser Steel and Kaiser Industries. Later, he served for three years as President and Chief Executive Officer of Birtcher Corporation, an international medical electronics company. In 1978, Dr. King was appointed by the Governor of California to serve a two-year term as the State's First Director of International Trade.

Richard currently serves on the advisory boards of the Japan Business Association of Southern California, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and the Rand Center for Asia Pacific Policy. He also serves on the board of directors of Junior Achievement of Southern California and for TradeBeam, Inc. He is past Chairman and President of the Japan- American Society of Southern California, past President, Director and Founder of the Hong Kong Association of Southern California, Honorary Chairman of the California Taiwan Trade and Investment Council (CTTIC) and Chairman of the U.S. China Business Institute (UCBI). Dr. King is Chairman Emeritus of Woodbury University along with Director of Pacific Rim Programs.

Dr. King has lived and traveled extensively throughout Asia. He is a frequent writer and speaker on trade and investment issues pertaining to the Pacific Rim. In 1989, he was inducted into the Greater Los Angeles World Trade Center's Hall of Fame for his contributions to international business and understanding. In July 1995, Richard was recognized as one of the top 60 international trade executives for contributions to the Southland's economy by the Los Angeles Business Journal's list of "Who's Who in International Trade." In 1999, Emperor Akihito and the government of Japan honored Dr. King with "The Order of the Rising Sun, Golden Rays with Rosette." This award recognizes his contribution to the strengthening of economic ties between Japan and the U.S., as well as the betterment of mutual understanding between both countries.

Richard received a B.S. degree from Syracuse University, an M.A. degree from Occidental College and an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Woodbury University.