Robert California, also known as Bob Kazamakis, and The Lizard King, is a fictional character on the U.S. comedy television series The Office, portrayed by James Spader. In the eighth season, Robert managed to persuade Jo Bennett to appoint him CEO in her place. In the eighth-season finale, Robert departs from the company after David Wallace purchases Dunder Mifflin. California is an original character and has no counterpart on the original British version of the series.