ANNE ELIZABETH B & #201;LEC
CEO, President
Volvo Cars of North America LLC
Born in St. Paul, Minn., Aug. 14, 1962
Lives in Coto de Caza
MIKE PATRICK O’DRISCOLL
President
Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover
North America
Born in Coventry, England, April 6, 1956
Lives in Irvine
Top execs for Ford’s Irvine-based Premier Automotive Group.
In April, B & #233;lec replaced former OC 50er Victor Doolan, who retired.
O’Driscoll heads up Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin.
Volvo biggest piece of import group, with 139,384 vehicles sold last year, up 3% from 2003. First-quarter sales slipped nearly 4%.
B & #233;lec overseeing 2005 lineup, includes S40 wagon, S60 sedan, C70 convertible. Brand known for reliable, winter cars. Task is to boost sales in warmer areas. Much of year so far spent meeting with dealers.
Called rising star at Ford.
Strong marketing background. Was vice president, sales for Volvo in Sweden since 2003. Prior to Volvo, worked at Ford in OC. Was general marketing manager for Lincoln Mercury, 2001 to 2002. Network business development manager for Lincoln Mercury, 1999 to 2001.
MBA from Fuqua School of Business at Duke. Emphasis on global business. Has business bachelor’s from University of Ottawa.
Trustee, Marketing Science Institute, member, Professional Women’s Network. Volunteers for Arts for Abused Children. On Toys for Tots fund-raising team. Also volunteers for United Way, Penrickton for the Blind, Race for the Cure, Adopt a Family.
Fluent in French, her native tongue. Born in America, grew up in Quebec. Holds dual citizenship.
Not married, no children. Enjoys tennis, hiking with golden retriever Murphy, gourmet cooking, canoeing on lake at her Canadian cottage.
O’Driscoll heads Premier’s other half, in charge of British luxury brands. Sales lackluster this past year. Southern California a bright spot.
Models set to debut this year include Jaguar XK Victory, XJ Super V8 Portfolio, Range Rover Sport, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, DB9 Valante. Taking a run at BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus.
Joined Jaguar Rover Triumph in 1975 as business student, held number of positions before taking over marketing, planning for Jaguar Cars North America in 1987. Prior to current position, was president of Jaguar North America.
Oversees more than 400 people, travels 300,000 miles or more yearly. Came to U.S. in 1987. Moved to Ford in 1995, spent five years in Dearborn, Mich., New Jersey. Moved to OC, took over three brands in 2001 when office relocated here.
Passionate about cars. Likes speed, excitement, design, style, performance. History, tradition separate brands from others. “Aston Martin was James Bond’s first and favorite car,” he says.
Southland makes up 13% of U.S. sales. Premier sold 10,868 Jaguars, Land Rovers regionally last year, up slightly from year earlier. The group doesn’t break out Aston Martin sales, considered high-end “boutique” car.
Business master’s from University of Warwick in Coventry, his hometown.
Irish father, American mother. Don’t call him Michael. Hobbies: sailed British Virgin Islands. When not traveling, spends time with family. Likes books the way he likes cars: page-turning thrillers by Nelson DeMille, James Patterson.
Wife Maureen, three children, 23, 22, 16. Has white dog “so small that you could put batteries in him,” a Bichon Frise named Shamrock, 6.
,Sherri Cruz
ALAN J. BELL
Freedom Communications Inc.
Born in Boston, 1932
Lives in Pacific Palisades
N. CHRISTIAN ANDERSON III
Publisher, CEO
The Orange County Register;
President, Metro Information Division,
Senior Vice President,
Born in Idaho, Aug. 4, 1950
So far, so good for ruling duo at OC’s dominant media company, which recently saw big changes.
Last year, disgruntled shareholders-heirs of libertarian founder Raymond Cyrus “R.C.” Hoiles got wish, sold shares to private equity inves-tors Blackstone, Prov-idence.
About 58% of the shares held by Hoiles descendents were
sold. Blackstone, Prov-idence capped at 49.9% of voting stock. Deal, worth $2 billion, ended two decades worth of infighting among Hoiles.
When you have “feuding family,” “wonderful set of assets” the “standard outcome is they blow up and get sold,” Bell said. “This is the deal that defied all expectations.”
Sale brought widespread nervousness about looming cuts, changes.
Seems best-case scenario is playing out so far: newspaper operations, including Register’s quirky libertarian editorial voice, intact. No aggressive cuts.
Register marking 100th anniversary this year, holding up better than other regional dailies. Daily circulation of 303,400 up a hair for six months through November, while nearly all others were down, including rival Los Angeles Times.
Change could come down road: those familiar with buyout expect Blackstone to seek sale, public offering in few years’ time.
Besides the Register, Freedom has 27 other dailies, 37 weeklies, eight TV stations.
Bell part of 13-member Freedom board. Also includes four family members, four from investment companies, four independents. Took over as CEO in 2002 after former OC 50er Sam Wolgemuth resigned amid shareholder infighting. TV veteran. Known for one-liners, frankness. Has taken fearless approach to job. Scrutinizes costs. Has overseen some layoffs, restructuring, including consolidation of technology staff.
Former head of company’s TV division. Joined Freedom in 1989. Before that, president of the Lorimar Broadcast Group in Hollywood; VP, general manager of KTVU-TV in San Francisco, KYW-TV in Philadelphia. Earlier was assistant general manager of WNEW-TV in New York, KTTV-TV in Los Angeles.
Boston native who attended Harvard. Got professional break in 1970 as general manager of WJZ-TV in Baltimore, then an ABC affiliate.
Wife Sally was Miss Sally on TV’s “Romper Room,” later president of Claster Television, now runs own kids programming company.
Anderson top gun at flagship Register since 1999. Along with Register, heads other OC ventures under Freedom Orange County Information, Freedom Metro Information, which includes company’s biggest papers: Register, Gazette in Colorado Springs, Colo., Phoenix-area papers.
Hosted Dick Cheney, swarms of Secret Service, at Register in March. Plans anniversary coverage blitz in November, marking paper’s 100th birthday.
Fought,and won,block-by-block war with Times for OC readers that ended around 2000, when Tribune bought Times. L.A. paper couldn’t “outlocal the locals,” Anderson says.
Earlier this year, two papers struck joint effort to let advertisers distribute preprint inserts to nearly 1 million OC households. Two say they still compete for subscribers, advertisers.
Recently expanded home delivery, racks in Belmont Shores two years after pulling out of Long Beach. Says using distribution centers in Orange, Garden Grove more efficiently.
Paper opted not to have sign at Angel Stadium this year, after renaming of baseball team as L.A. Angels of Anaheim.
Continues to watch costs. Has cut more than 100 jobs in past few years. Employs about 2,000 workers at Santa Ana newsroom, printing plant.
Has overseen online push. Added electronic buying, selling to online classifieds at community newspaper division.
Joined Register as editor in 1980 from Seattle Times. Pushed reader-friendly graphics, shorter stories, upgraded editorial content.
Named 1988 editor of the year by National Press Foundation, 1993 California newspaper executive of the year by California Press Association. Reassigned in 1994 as publisher of Colorado Springs Gazette, Freedom’s third largest paper. Returned to Register in 1998.
Past president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors. Director, KOCE-TV Foundation.
Wife Aletha, four kids. Likes reading, skiing.
,Jennifer Bellantonio
ALAN LEE BOECKMANN
Chairman, CEO
Fluor Corp.
Born in Bisbee, Ariz., June 15, 1948
Lives in San Juan Capistrano, Houston
Big employer in Iraq. His engineering, construction services company counts 300 expatriates, more than 1,000 locals there working on electricity, public works projects.
Made nice recovery after losing out early on Iraq work to rivals Bechtel, Halliburton. Company has won about $2.6 billion worth of work there so far.
Continues to eye big Iraq contracts, $3 billion in forthcoming Afghanistan work to be detailed later this year. No plans to abandon Iraq work, despite violence, high security costs. Hasn’t been to either country.
Business strong elsewhere. At World Economic Forum in Switzerland in January, said order backlog strongest since 1970s. “Our business starts when somebody else decides to invest in their’s,” he says.
Overall backlog heading into 2005 was $15 billion, up 39% from a year earlier.
Company eyeing possible work on $8 billion Panama Canal expansion project. Future Chilean public works projects a possibility. In January, company won $690 million Mexico oil refinery contract with local partner.
In U.S., power plant building remains well off 2001’s heady pace. In 2003, Fluor, Duke Energy dissolved power plant building venture.
Last year saw 19% gain in profit from continuing operations to $187 million on revenue of $9.4 billion, up 7%.
Workforce swelled 20% in past year to nearly 35,000 workers, most construction contractors. Current OC workforce at 1,379, down 5% in past year.
Continued beefing up government services, “relatively stable” work, he says. Added several government-related companies last year. Government work rose 34% to $2.3 billion last year, accounting for 24% of 2004 revenue, up from 10% in 2002.
Last year bought Fullerton’s Trend Western Technical Data. In 2003, bought Rolling Hills Estates-based Del-Jen. Both do military base logistics, operations work.
Tapping Philippines, India, Poland for lower-cost engineers who work on computer designs, other projects. Savings of up to 15%, a “core competitive advantage,” he says.
Saw tragedy earlier this year: Three Fluor workers killed in explosion, fire at BP refinery in Texas.
Starting fourth year on job. Less formal than predecessor Philip Carroll. Not into hierarchy: One of first tasks as CEO was to paint over “reserved” parking signs in company lot.
Among OC’s better paid execs last year at total compensation of $14 million.
Has vast industry experience, knowledge of Fluor’s operations. Joined Fluor in 1974 as a field engineer, held various management jobs, including assignments in California, Texas, South Carolina, South Africa, Venezuela.
Began current position in early 2002. Before becoming president, COO in 2001, was president, chief of Fluor Daniel, company’s dominant engineering, construction arm.
Previously headed several Fluor Daniel units, including energy and chemicals. Prior to that, served as vice president of business unit that formed DuPont alliance.
Chairman, Engineering and Construction Governors of World Economic Forum. Has led ongoing effort to fight corruption in engineering, construction. Set up hotline Fluor employees can call to report corrupt practices.
Director, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, American Petroleum Institute, Archer Daniels Midland, National Petroleum Council. Member, Business Roundtable, World Economic Forum, University of Arizona’s College of Engineering & Mines’ Industry Advisory Council.
Graduated from University of Arizona, bachelor’s in electrical engineering. First job was as paperboy.
Married, four children. Enjoys spending time with family, golf, reading, visiting art galleries.
,Chris Cziborr
SCOTT DEAN BORAS
President, Owner
Scott Boras Corp.
Born in Sacramento, Nov. 2, 1952
Lives in Newport Coast
One of baseball’s top player agents, considered among most powerful in sport. Top of OC’s sports agent heap.
Ranked No. 5 most influential in baseball (behind George Stein-brenner) by Sports Business Journal in 2004, No. 16 in all sports by Sporting News earlier this year.
In 2000, struck largest single contract in sports history ($252 million) for Yankee Alex Rodriguez. In most recent off-season handled $400 million worth of contracts for six top players (Carlos Beltran, Magglio Ordonez, Adrian Beltre, Jason Varitek, J.D. Drew, Derek Lowe). Tally was largest number of contracts by one sports agent.
Won largest arbitration victory award in MLB history. Was first player agent to obtain free agency for a drafted player. In 20 years, has handled more than $2 billion in baseball contracts. Represents 15 of top 50 baseball players.
Current roster includes Rodriguez, Kevin Brown, Bernie Williams, Johnny Damon. Angels’ pitcher Jarrod Washburn in last year of Boras-struck contract. Represents Dodgers Eric Gagne, Darren Dreifort, Lowe, Drew. In off-season, struck new deal with Seattle Mariners for former Dodger Adrian Beltre. Represents San Diego Padre Xavier Nady.
Severed ties with home run king Barry Bonds. In all, company represents 140 clients in MLB, minor league affiliates. Boras also runs Impact Marketing, Impact Consulting, Boras Sports Fitness Institute from Newport Beach.
Grew up on 800-acre farm in Elk Grove near Sacramento. Dad insisted he, siblings finish chores before they could listen to or play baseball. Earned baseball scholarship to University of the Pacific in Stockton, signed with St. Louis Cardinals organization. Played in minors for Cardinals 1974-77, Chicago Cubs 1977-78. Left after multiple knee surgeries to complete law degree at McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific.
Practiced medical malpractice in Chicago law firm until an old friend from Elk Grove asked him if he’d represent former teammate Bill Caudill in 1984. That first contract,with Toronto Blue Jays,was worth $7.5 million.
Married, three children. Plays tennis with daughter, 16, baseball with two sons, 15, 12. Wife Jeanette active in charitable causes for Catholic church, Sage Hill High School, J. Serra High School. Couple are arts patrons.
,Sandi Cain
EMIL JOHN BROLICK
President, Chief Concept Officer
Taco Bell Corp.
Born in Grand Haven, Mich., Oct. 26, 1947
Lives in Coto de Caza
Darling of parent Yum! Brands for turning around taco chain.
Taco Bell on upswing since 2000, when Brolick took over as president, chief concept officer. Says challenges were bigger than realized. Using tactics honed at Wendy’s International, has revamped menu, boosted quality, service.
Same-store sales up 6% in first quarter, second only in Yum to KFC’s 10%. Well ahead of Pizza Hut’s 1%.
Chain counts $1.6 billion in yearly sales at company-owned restaurants. Franchises do $3.8 billion yearly. Some 6,000 units in all.
Admired by franchisees for dedication to fixing problems, smoothing relations. Yum spent millions few years back to bail out indebted, struggling franchisees. Demeanor described as one of “great humility.”
Calls himself “deep believer in consumer research.” Upped food quality after surveys showed customers had concerns. Launched profitable premium items.
In March, settled three-year boycott of Taco Bell by farm workers, some of whom staged hunger strikes outside Irvine HQ. Agreed to improve wages, conditions for Florida tomato pickers.
Earlier this year, ended up losing end of court fight with former ad agency over talking Chihuahua commercials. Taco Bell on the hook for $42 million in damages, legal fees won by Michigan duo claiming they came up with idea.
Known for marketing twists. The latest: giving away a million pesos ($88,000) in promotion for Mountain Dew Baja Blast. Did taco poll during 2003 California recall election. Candidates represented by different menu items (Gov. Arnold Schwarz-enegger was a crunchy beef taco).
Early on in 2000 dealt with PR nightmare over Taco Bell brand taco shells containing genetically altered corn.
“You have to accept that there will be things that happen in business that are beyond your control,” he says.
Prior to Taco Bell, was 12-year Wendy’s vet, directing planning, research, new product marketing. Earlier, served for seven years as vice president of marketing, concept development at Ponderosa. Also held various senior financial, product development positions at Copeland, Chrysler, where he did M & A.;
Bachelor’s, master’s degrees in economics from University of Detroit. Member, UC Irvine Chief Executive Roundtable.
Wife Maureen, three children. Hobbies include golf, running, reading, travel.
,Michael Lyster
KIM PATRICK BURDICK
President, Bank of America
Orange County;
President, California Premier Banking
Born in Montebello, Feb. 25, 1957
Lives in Tustin
BofA fixture,with bank since 1980. Joined as management trainee at 23. Took over OC operations for second time following 2003 exit of former OC 50er Tara Balfour.
OC one of BofA’s top markets under his watch. Overseeing regulatory shift for banks concerning privacy of clients, compliance with federal rules.
Grown branches, OC deposits up 16% to $11.8 billion for 12 months ended June 30. Looking to lure business banking customers from other banks.
Does double duty: heads up premier banking for customers with balances of $250,000 to $3 million. Far reach,handles OC, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Nevada.
Takes philanthropy seriously. Expects executives to be involved with community, which helps expand personal ties.
Named after his father’s beloved high school teacher, whose name was Kimball. He got shortened version.
Joined BofA as management trainee, named consumer region executive in 1987 for Los Angeles County, later OC. In 1995, headed up grocery store branch rollout. In 1998, took over premier banking. Two years later, promoted to the newly created position of consumer planning, integration executive. Moved to bank’s Charlotte, N.C., headquarters. Close ties to BofA consumer banking chief Liam McGee.
Graduated from UCLA, majored in history. Earned a graduate certificate in banking from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University. Was a drum major for UCLA band,only drum major to serve all four years.
On boards of Performing Arts Center, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, United Way. New Majority member. Avid rower, single scull: “I love being in the water first thing in the morning when the sun comes up.” Rows in Newport Harbor with other executives. Rowed at UCLA. Competes in masters competitions. Inspired his son to row, now rowing for Orange Coast College.
Likes spending time with his family, boating, water-skiing.
Wife of 24 years Dawn, two children, son, 20, daughter, 16.
,Andrew Simons
WILLIAM HUNT GROSS
Founder, Managing Director
Chief Investment Officer
Pacific Investment Management Co.
Born in Middletown, Ohio, April 13, 1944
Lives in Laguna Beach
WILLIAM SAMUEL
THOMPSON
Managing Director, CEO
Born in St. Louis, Aug. 7, 1945
Lives in Shady Canyon
Behind top bond fund manager, emerged untainted by recent mutual fund scandals. Challenge now is navigating rough bond markets as inflation looms, deficits grow, interest rates move higher.
Big victory for boss Thompson, Gross in the past year: wresting control of Pimco name from parent company Allianz’s troubled East Coast stock funds. Earlier last year, stock fund family,marketed as Pimco PEA funds,settled charges it allowed illegal trades. Pimco’s bond funds weren’t charged after initially attracting attention from investigators.
CalPERS considered moving some of its money from Pimco amid probe. But influential retirement fund said it would let Pimco continue managing about $200 million in pension money invested in a high-yield bond fund. Morningstar recommended consider selling stocks managed by PEA but kept favorable Pimco rating.
Thompson oversees some $464 billion in assets under management, up 13% from year ago. America’s largest bond fund, Pimco Total Return Fund, managed by Gross, has $82 billion in assets. Thompson pursuing global expansion. Set to launch three funds at the end of May. One currency-related, two others to use derivatives to beat indexes.
Duo, others at Pimco watched election closely. Kerry victory has been viewed as helping Pimco’s bonds, Bush better for stocks.
Gross, Pimco’s public face, tweaking bond strategy as deficits widen, dollar falls. Been big buyer of TIPs,treasury inflation protected bonds.
Not total bear. Expects Fed, Asian central bankers to soften bond market downturn. Would like to see Fed push rates at quicker pace.
No stranger to controversy, Gross took on hedge funds, government inflation trackers. Called hedge funds overpriced, too leveraged. Blasted way government tracks inflation. Said the consumer price index is really 1% higher than official figures, real GDP is 1% less.
With wife, Sue, gave $23.5 million to alma mater Duke University to endow scholarships, support faculty. Also gave $20 million to Hoag for hospital’s Women’s Pavilion.
Thompson, Gross skillfully pulled off majority sale five years ago to Allianz to create global powerhouse with more than $1 trillion under management, more than half managed by Pimco.
Were leaders in forming Pimco Advisors in 1994 after split from Pacific Life.
Thompson is soft-spoken, straight shooter, responsible for business worldwide.
Targeting growth in deregulating Asian, European pension markets. A quarter of clients outside U.S., sees that growing to half.
Thompson chairs Pimco’s compensation, executive committees. Sits on management board, executive committee of Allianz Global Investors, as well as international executive committee of Allianz. At Pimco, oversees 652 people in U.S.,500 in Newport Center,seven global offices.
Used to go to Germany five, six times a year, now prefers teleconference, spending more time at headquarters. Still goes to offices worldwide.
Serves hot dogs to workers every year on his birthday. Prior to joining Pimco in 1993 as co-CEO, spent 18 years with Salomon Brothers including two in Tokyo as chairman, Salomon Brothers Asia.
Personal mantra: Reward people on merit, not hierarchy.
Director, Pacific Life. Involved with Hoag Hospital Foundation, served as chairman. Regularly contributes to Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Orangewood Children’s Home. Instrumental in setting up $13 million Pimco Foundation, funded by managing directors.
Bachelor’s in engineering from University of Missouri, Columbia. MBA from Harvard.
Married to Nancy for 36 years. Couple into yoga, physical training, local charities. Three children: William III, 32, works for Salomon Smith Barney; Emily, 29, Bucknell University alum living in Newport Beach, doing graduate studies at Chapman; Brad, 26, attended University of Oregon, works for NEC Solutions in Irvine.
Raised in Midwest. He, wife own cabin near Lake of Ozarks in Missouri where they go bass fishing. Couple gave $1 million to high school where they met. Likes reading, golf (13 handicap). Has played in Toshiba Pro Am, AT & T; Pebble Beach Classic. Played golf along with Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach.
Gross widely acclaimed, oft-quoted bond manager. Dubbed “King of Bonds” by Fortune. Said to be highest paid executive in OC. As a retention bonus, Allianz gave him a $200 million deal spread over five years.
In 2001, Gross, team won Morningstar Fixed Income manager award, only one to win twice at the time. TV shows, wire agencies, newspapers feature him regularly for comments on economy, bonds, Greenspan, interest rates and, more lately, fair disclosure practices. Business Jour-nal’s 2002 businessperson of the year.
Prolific writer: monthly “Investment Outlook” on Pimco’s Web site has a huge following. Has written more than 320 outlooks so far.
Bond guru broadcasts market commentaries from Pimco’s own TV studio in Newport. In 1997 wrote, “Everything You’ve Heard About Investing is Wrong.” “The Bond King: Investment secrets of Pimco’s Bill Gross,” by Tom Middleton out last year.
Feared blackjack player. Learned how to play after a car crash put him in hospital. Honed skill in Las Vegas.
Humble, almost shy. Religious about doing yoga, including Shirsasan pose, standing on head. Jogger. Hobby: stamp collecting.
Bachelor’s from Duke, MBA from UCLA. Philanthropic: he, wife funded James Hines Foundation, which contributes $100,000 annually to OC Teachers of the Year. Donated $1.5 million to Sage Hills private school.
Three children: Jeff, 31, Jennifer, 28, Nick, 16.
,Mike Mason
PARKER STEVEN KENNEDY
The First American Corp.
Born in Orange, Feb. 18, 1948
Lives in Orange Park Acres
Troubles of late with refinancing, housing slowdown. Still grew title insurance, services business last year, his first year in total command.
In 2003, took over from father Donald P. Kennedy, who retired to post of chairman emeritus.
Parker gave up president’s title in October, named Craig DeRoy to spot. DeRoy company insider, but not member of Kennedy clan. Succession not being discussed yet; both men are in their 50s.
Kennedy is fourth generation to run business founded in 1889 by great grandfather C.E. Parker. Went public in 1964, family run since then.
Title insurance industry under increasing scrutiny. California Insurance Com-
missioner John Garamendi investigating title insurer payments to lenders, agents, homebuilders for referrals.
Earlier this year, First American agreed to refund about $24 million to customers after state insurance investigators in Colorado claimed it gave kickbacks. Company said no longer to pay for referrals, as did competitors.
Wrestling with pullback in home loan refinancing that began in 2003, played out last year, ending record run for title companies.
Managed to boost profits 23% to $349 million last year. Revenue up 8% to $6.7 billion.
Continues buying spree. In March, acquired Experian Real Estate Services from Costa Mesa’s Experian Information Solutions for undisclosed terms.
Along with minority partner Experian, in 2003 bought Transamerica Finance’s tax and flood business for $375 million, one of largest buys for Kennedy.
First American did funky spinoff earlier this year. Announced sale of credit information unit for $550 million to St. Petersburg, Fla.-based First Advantage. The key part: First American has 69% stake in First Advantage.
Company said all-stock deal would boost First American’s ownership to 80%. Unit provides employment background checks, drug testing, resident screening, automobile record reporting and investigative services to corporate customers. Deal set to close in third quarter.
Title business still is king, making up bulk of revenue, profits. Preparing for after the home boom. After 50 acquisitions in past two decades, company now does credit reporting, flood zone insurance, property valuation, worker screening, automotive credit, other services.
Major life events covered: getting a job, renting an apartment, buying a car, house, boat or plane, opening or buying a business, planning for retirement.
Company boasts of nation’s largest, most comprehensive property database. Has 37,000 workers, including 2,300 in OC. Major expansion of Santa Ana campus under way.
A Fortune 500 company (No. 309 this year, down from No. 300 in 2004). Perennial Fortune “Most Admired,” Forbes 400 company. Parker ranked fifth “Best Boss” in nation in 2003 by Forbes. One of the Business Journal’s fastest-growing companies.
Joined in 1977, became VP in 1979, executive VP in 1983. Named First American Title president in 1989, a position held until 1999 when he became chairman.
Personable, remembers employees’ birthdays.
Involved with many groups. Serves on board of Boy Scouts of America’s OC Council, received group’s Distinguished Citizen Award last year. Past chair of Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Bowers Museum. Has bachelor’s in economics from USC; law degree from Hastings College of Law, San Francisco.
With wife of 26 years, Sherry, have two grown children. Hobbies include running (including Los Angeles Marathon), fly-fishing, golf.
,Mathew Padilla
ARTURO “ARTE”
RICARDO MORENO
Owner, Angels Baseball LP
Born in Tucson, Aug. 14, 1946
Lives in Phoenix, La Jolla
Big league ambition clashed with local pride this year.
Move to broaden Angels’ appeal, revenue by adding Los Angeles to name has spurred legal fight with city of Anaheim, touched off firestorm with fans, politicians.
Jury still out on business impact of name change. Hasn’t hurt so far: ticket sales strong (helped by team winning division championship last year), nearly all games set to be televised. TV money still lags Dodgers, other teams. Says he may consider launching own network.
Bought team from Disney in 2003 for $184 million. Forbes just valued Angels at $294 million.
Putting money where mouth is: fifth highest payroll in baseball at $95 million. Down a tad from last year, still high for Angels.
Let go three fan favorites,relief ace Troy Percival went to Detroit Tigers; third baseman Troy Glaus took more than $40 million to head to Arizona Diamondbacks; David Eckstein, sparkplug shortstop, went to National League champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Landed veteran centerfielder Steve Finley from Dodgers. Along with 2004 American League MVP Vladimir Guerrero, Angels outfield touted as one of best.
Aggressive marketer, looking to build on team’s 3.4 million attendance in 2004. Filled Angel Stadium with ads, including massive one from Los Angeles Times.
Touted team in billboards, bus ads in Dodgerland, rest of Southern California.
Enjoyed favorable local, national press as fans’ owner after cutting beer, food prices early on. Name change also brought attention: dual-city moniker butt of jokes, ribbing by sports commentators. But Jan. 1 shift also assured coverage of team in runup to season.
Insists on being called “Arte.” Focused, laconic. Enjoys watching baseball over beer with buddies.
Made fortune in billboards. With partner Bill Levine (minority investor in Angels), built Outdoor Systems into player, sold to Viacom for $8.7 billion in stock in 1999.
Former owner of minor league baseball team in Salt Lake City, had been minority owner of Diamondbacks in native Arizona. Owned a stake worth some $30 million in the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.
Fourth-generation Mexican-American, semi-reluctant role model for OC, other Hispanics. Oldest of 11 children. Speaks fluent Spanish, often to fans, workers.
Father ran print shop, grandfather published newspaper. Attended Catholic grammar school, worked in dad’s print shop during high school. Joined Army in 1965, fought in Vietnam.
Returned to Tucson, enrolled at University of Arizona. Graduated in 1973 with marketing degree, activities included Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Staunch Republican. Supported President Bush’s re-election.
Lives in tony part of Phoenix near Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. Family spends summers at La Jolla home. Travels via private jet. Has thought about buying a home in OC, says he likes Newport Beach.
With wife Carole (who’s prominent in Phoenix social circles), spent honeymoon driving the West Coast attending baseball games. Son, two daughters. Enjoys spending time with family. Longtime Little League coach.
,Vita Reed
MATT ANTHONY OUIMET
President, Disneyland Resort
Walt Disney Co.
Born in Augsberg, Germany
March 16, 1958
Top local official for Disney since late 2003, now spearheading biggest push since second park opened in 2001: 50th anniversary of Disneyland. Starting West Coast Disney cruises this year as part of 50th marketing push.
Heads OC’s largest private employer at about 20,000 workers. Responsible for management, growth of two theme parks, three hotels, Downtown Disney. Oversees finance, marketing, sales, entertainment, information services, human resources, legal, operations, public affairs.
Ouimet (pronounced “we-met”) reports to Jay Rasulo, head of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts in Burbank.
Has molded executive team to fit management style. Walks parks, like prior Disneyland execs. Emphasizes attention to detail, recognizes worker efforts, encourages other execs to do same. Says workers getting chance to have fun with anniversary.
Credited with raising morale after California Adventure struggles, Disney boardroom drama, exit of predecessor (and former OC 50er) Cynthia Harriss.
Recognized night shift workers at midnight awards presentation. Another slated later this month.
Last year’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror opening gave boost to California Adventure. Continued to add kid-friendly shows to second park, which saw more visitors last year.
Faced challenge in past year of keeping up visitors to Disneyland while it was spruced up for anniversary. This year’s new ride,Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters,first to offer video game-style interaction. New shows, fireworks, parade set to launch this week, along with expected announcement of addition to California Adventure. Revamped Space Mountain set to reopen in July.
Looking for ways to use technology at the park. Buzz Lightyear ride includes companion online game.
In March, released report on Disneyland’s impact on OC for past 50 years. Decades of giving,financial, in-kind, scholarships, volunteer efforts,also source of pride. Three-quarters of Disneyland execs involved in area nonprofits.
Says cruise bookings going well. Former Disney Cruise boss thrilled to bring voyages to West Coast. Before joining Disneyland Resort, was president of the Disney Cruise Line, Disney’s Port Canaveral cruise terminal.
Joined Walt Disney Co. in 1989. Previously was senior vice president of finance, chief financial officer at Walt Disney Imagineering; senior vice president of finance and business development at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Headed financial management of Walt Disney World theme park and resort development, was executive general manager of Disney Vacation Club and Disney’s Wide World of Sports.
Was executive vice president, new business initiatives for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, developed new ways to target core Disney vacationers.
Grew up in upstate New York with two brothers, one a twin. Mom was cashier, father built roads, did other jobs. Instilled work ethic in kids.
Member, UCI Chief Executive Roundtable, CHOC board.
Graduated from New York’s Binghamton University. Wife Kathleen, two children. Family moved to OC last summer; says they are enjoying life here. Likes to golf, studies history in spare time.
THOMAS COLE SUTTON
Chairman, CEO
Pacific Mutual Holding Co.,
Pacific Life Insurance Co.
Born in Atlanta, June 2, 1942
Lives in Corona del Mar
Heads parent company Pacific Mutual Holding. Pacific Life is primary operating unit. Together make up OC’s biggest privately held company, owned by policyholders.
A couple of big deals of late for low-profile exec. Plans to buy Bellevue, Wash.-based aircraft leasing company Boullioun Aviation Services for $2 billion. Expected to close late spring.
Deal part of continued move beyond Pacific Life’s traditional life insurance business into broader financial services.
Earlier in year, announced sale of group health insurance business for undisclosed terms to PacifiCare, headed by OC 50er Howard Phanstiel.
In September, paid $40 million for 49% stake in New York’s Asset Management Finance, a financier of money managers. Pacific Life could fund another $20 million in Asset Management debt this year.
Some think more buying could be in works: Pacific Life cited on speculative shortlist of potential suitors for American Express Financial Advisors.
Earlier this year, Sutton joined with other insurance execs to form Affordable Life Insurance Alliance to push for changes in state laws covering life insurance reserves.
2004 parent company revenue of $4.1 billion, up nearly 12% from year earlier. Net income of $540 million, up 29%. Ranked No. 395 on 2005 Fortune 500 because it reports financials.
More than life insurance. Parent owns brokerages M.L. Stern & Co., Associated Securities, Mutual Service Corp., United Planners’ Financial Services of America, Waterstone Financial Group. Aviation Capital Group does aircraft leasing.
Premiums make company a big investor in mortgages, bonds, venture funds.
Long-running local CEO, now in 15th year at helm of Pacific Life. A lifer: worked summers with the company during college, stayed on as an actuary. Recently created office of chairman, including himself, new vice chairman Glenn Schafer.
Employs 2,500 workers here, down 8% in past year with shift of work to regional business center in Nebraska, some attrition at group health unit before completion of sale to PacifiCare.
Company spawned bond manager Pimco. Pacific Life sold $1 billion Pimco holding in 2003 to majority owner Allianz. In 2004, sold additional $500 million stake to Allianz. Still holds $600 million Pimco stake. Pimco boss, OC 50er William Thompson on Pacific Life board.
Earned bachelor’s in mathematics, physics from University of Toronto. Completed Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program.
Big community benefactor: Pacific Life Foundation set to give more than $4 million this year. Beneficiaries include: Performing Arts Center, Bolsa Chica Conservancy, KOCE, UCI Foundation, Ocean Institute. Gave $1 million to UNICEF for tsunami relief.
Director, the Irvine Co., Southern California Edison. Member, UCI Chief Executive Roundtable. Chairman, Public Policy Institute of California, Asso-
ciation of California Life & Health Insurance Cos. Member of California Chamber of Commerce board. Past chairman, American Council of Life Insurers, Health Insurance Association of America.
Earlier this year, saw OC 50er David Pyott of Allergan join Pacific Life’s board.
Big sports backer as way to reach new customers. Title sponsor of Pacific Life Open, an Indian Wells tennis tournament. Also, title sponsor of Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, The Pacific Life Pac-10 Men’s Basketball Championship, Pacific Life Yacht Club Challenge. Company owns Tijeras Creek Golf Club, which it bought in the 1990s from OC 50er Anthony Moiso.
Wife, high school sweetheart, Marilyn, English professor. Three grown sons, one grown daughter. Skis, golfs, travels, reads.
ROSEMARY LOLITA TURNER
Vice President, United Parcel Service Inc.
Southern California District
Born in Houston, May 10, 1961
Lives in Laguna Niguel
Top executive in UPS’ largest market with $1 billion in yearly sales.
Oversees 6,000 work-ers in operation that extends from Long Beach to Mexico border. Serves 178,000 customers a day, including biggies such as Ingram Micro, Target.
Public face, regular at business, community events. Management philosophy: teach, lead, motivate. Has about 18 managers.
A lifer, with company for 24 years. Worked at UPS part-time during college, even drove a truck. Still carries trucker’s drivers license. Formerly vice president of Northern Plains District, made up of 3,400 people in Nebraska, Dakotas. Was a California girl up until then. Calls time in bone-chilling Omaha a shock that she got used to. Happy to return to California a couple of years ago.
Hits home gym before daybreak. Runs four to five miles a day on treadmill while watching CNN. Spends much of day in field drumming up business.
One of the most prominent women in business in OC, along with OC 50er Anne B & #233;lec. Business Journal women in business award winner, 2003. Named one of 10 women making a difference by OC Metro last year.
Credits mother, single parent who held down multiple jobs, stressed education, as inspiration. Has bachelor’s in accounting from Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles.
On boards of Orange County United Way, Orange County Business Council, Performing Arts Center. Founding member of Orange County Women’s Philanthropy Fund.
Member, UPS’ strategic planning committee responsible for company’s role in Black Executive Exchange Program sponsored by National Urban League. Volunteer, Juvenile Diabetes, March of Dimes. Mentors upcoming professionals.
Hobbies include golf, jogging, reading, shopping. Jazz enthusiast. Husband Robert.
PETER VICTOR UEBERROTH
Managing Director, Contrarian Group Inc.
Chairman, U.S. Olympic Committee
Born in Evanston, Ill., Sept. 2, 1937
Lives in Laguna Beach (Emerald Bay)
Back doing what’s he best known for as chairman of U.S. Olympic Committee.
Seen as white knight after Olympic scandals of past few years, infighting at U.S. Olympic Committee. Backs New York’s bid for 2012 games, set to be decided this year. Served on panel to propose International Olympic Committee reforms after 2002 Salt Lake City bribery scandal.
Enjoys lasting notoriety from role organizing 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Turned around near-bankrupt operation by bringing in corporate sponsors. Left $200 million-plus surplus, which continues to back youth sports programs today. Time magazine’s Man of the Year for 1984.
Supported Gov. Schwarzenegger after own bid for governor in 2003 recall vote fizzled. A Republican, ran as independent focused on jobs. Seen Sacramento take to his candidacy proposal for a tax amnesty.
Through his Contrarian Group, brings together investors to buy stakes in turnaround candidates, then puts one of them in charge.
Classic case: 1999 buy of Pebble Beach for $820 million. Group entered bidding late, bypassed auction by forging ties with Japanese owners. Buyout team included Arnold Palmer, Clint Eastwood, Richard Ferris. As CEO, put in Bill Perocchi, who worked with Ueberroth in hotel business in early 1990s.
Now faces fight with environmentalists over plans for 18-hole golf course, driving range, horse park, homes and hotel in Monterey Peninsula’s fabled Del Monte Forest. Offering to preserve some 800 acres. Has county approval. Voters passed project a few years ago. Issue rests with California Coastal Commission.
Baseball commissioner, 1984 to 1989. Boasts all teams were profitable when he left. Picked to head Rebuild L.A. committee after 1993 riots. Resigned when he couldn’t raise enough corporate funds.
Created First Travel in 1962, sold it in 1980 as the second-largest U.S. travel company. In 1990s, started company that bought Doubletree, Red Lion, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn. Later sold to Hilton, where he’s a director. Also director of Coca-Cola, with Warren Buffett.
Last year, assumed full chairmanship of Newport Beach-based meeting planner Ambassadors International from brother, former co-chairman John Ueberroth, now running Indecorp. Son Joseph is CEO, president of Ambassadors.
Friend of fellow OC 50er Donald Bren. Wife Brigitte Bren is Ambassadors director.
Business degree from San Jose State University, attended on water polo scholarship.
Moved around several times as child. At 16, moved into an orphanage for children of broken homes. Became home’s recreation director, earning $125 a month.
Wife Virginia, goes by Ginny. Chairs Ueberroth Family Foundation, trustee Hoag Hospital Foundation. Director, First American, along with OC 50er Parker Kennedy.
Couple has three daughters, son. Eight grandchildren.
,Michael Lyster
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Roland Arnall,
WAYNE LEE
Owner, Ameriquest Capital Corp.;
CEO, Ameriquest Mortgage Co.,
president, Argent Mortgage Co.;
Robert Cole,
Brad Morrice
Chairman, CEO;
vice chairman, president, COO,
New Century Financial Corp.
ROBERT DURBISH
CEO, president, cofounder,
Option One Mortgage
ROBERT HOFF
General partner,
Crosspoint Venture Partners
Fletcher Jones Jr.
CEO, president, Fletcher Jones Management Group
GEORGE KAYE
Senior VP, Washington Mutual Inc.
THOMAS “DUFFY” LEONE
VP, general manager, Cox Communications Inc.
MAURICE L. McALISTER
Cofounder, Chairman,
Downey Financial Corp.
ERNEST S. RADY, THOMAS A. WOLFE
Chairman, CEO, Westcorp,
Western Financial Bank, chairman,
WFS Financial;
CEO, WFS Financial,
president, WFS Financial,
vice chairman,
president, Western Financial Bank
DONALD A. ROBERT
CEO, Experian Information Solutions Inc., North America
BYRON ROTH
Chairman, CEO,
Roth Capital Partners LLC
DAVID WILSON
Chairman, CEO, David Wilson’s Automotive Group
MARK
WETTERAU
Chairman, CEO, Golden State Foods
NICK E. YOCCA
Cofounder, president,
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth
KIM YOUNG,
DAVID RITCHIE
Regional president, executive VP;
Wells Fargo
executive VP, regional manager,
Wells Fargo Community Bank
