Willette to Retire From Irvine Co.

Irvine Co. said veteran executive Chick Willette, who has overseen residential land sales for Orange County’s single largest landowner since 1986, will retire this summer.

Dan Hedigan, 49, who heads Irvine Co.’s legal affairs department, will replace Willette as senior vice president of land sales and management.

Patricia Frobes, 55, a vice chairwoman and partner at O’Melveny & Myers’ Newport Beach office, will assume the duties of general counsel, corporate secretary and senior vice president of legal affairs.

Willette has worked in several executive positions during his 26-year career at Irvine Co.

As head of residential land sales and management, he has negotiated the sale of land for the development of numerous Irvine communities, including Oak Creek Northpark, Turtle Ridge and Quail Hill.