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
Euro car duo for Ford’s Premier Automotive Group in Irvine.
B & #233;lec heads Volvo, biggest piece of import group. Expanding Swedish brand’s image beyond safety to focus on Scandinavian design, performance.
Has made her mark in local business circles, one of few women leaders in auto industry. Called rising star at Ford.
British-born O’Driscoll heads Premier’s U.K. brands, English icons Jaguar, Land Rover. Ford selling majority Aston Martin stake to group of investors for $850 million.
O’Driscoll, B & #233;lec have work to do. Premier lost $327 million in 2006, up from a loss of $89 million in 2005.
Volvo seen as valuable to Ford, as is Jaguar, despite struggling sales. Popular global brands.
Volvo sold 115,807 autos in North America in 2006, down 14% from 2005. Aiming for sales of 120,000 autos this year.
Big marketing push with four new models in next 13 months: recently launched S80 luxury sedan; XC70 crossover (October); C30 (October); V70 wagon (early 2008). C30 to compete with Mini Cooper, Audi A3, Volkswagen GTI.
Brand known for reliable, safe cars. B & #233;lec told Wall Street Journal Swedish management modest, reluctant to promote products. Volvo focusing on safety functions such as “heartbeat sensor” to alert driver of a break-in.
Strong marketing background. Was sales VP for Volvo in Sweden, 2003 to 2005. 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.
First automotive job: correcting dealer orders at Ford assembly plant in Canada.
MBA from Fuqua School at Duke. Emphasis on global business. Business bachelor’s from University of Ottawa.
Trustee, Marketing Science Institute, director of Volvo Cars of North America, Volvo Cars of Canada, Volvo Monitoring & Concept Center. This month, became director of Pasadena-based WestStart-Calstart, trade group focused on auto technology.
In 2005, named to Automotive News’ 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry.
Serves on advisory board at UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business. Nominated for Business Journal’s Women in Business award, 2002.
Got mention from Laura Bush during March speech at University of Illinois for sponsorship of CeaseFire anti-violence program.
Has overseen growth of Volvo for life Awards, annual program honoring “everyday heroes.” Winner gets new Volvo every three years.
Fluent in French, her native tongue. Born in America, grew up in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. Holds dual citizenship.
Not married, no children. Enjoys tennis, hiking with golden retriever, Murphy, gourmet cooking, canoeing on lake at her Canadian cottage. Drives 2005 Volvo XC90.
O’Driscoll’s Land Rover only Ford brand up in 2006, after few years of lackluster sales. Sales up 34% to 11,299 autos for 12 months ended March 31.
Jaguar still a drag, losing money. Plans to reinvigorate brand with C-XF next year. Sales down from 45,000-autos plus in 2004 to 20,683 in 2006. Quality ratings up, according to J.D. Power.
Bid to appeal to younger drivers not getting much traction. Again, C-XF is the hope.
Ford holding on to Jaguar, company says, despite critics call to sell.
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 British brands in 2001 when Lincoln Mercury moved here.
Passionate about cars. Likes speed, excitement, design, style, performance. Says history, tradition separate brands from others. “Aston Martin was James Bond’s first and favorite car,” he says.
MBA 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, 25, 24, 18. Has white dog “so small that you could put batteries in him,” a Bichon Frise named Shamrock, 8.
,Sherri Cruz
SCOTT DEAN BORAS
Owner, President
Scott Boras Corp.
Born in Sacramento,
Nov. 2, 1952
Lives in Newport Coast
Baseball’s offseason man.
Agent representing baseball players considered one of most powerful in any U.S. sport. Consistently ranked among most influential in sports. Made splash in most recent offseason with $103 million signing of Japanese phenom Daisuke Matsuzaka with Boston Red Sox. Also struck $126 million, seven-year deal for Barry Zito with San Francisco Giants, largest pitcher contract in history, tied for sixth-largest overall.
Responsible for largest contract in sports history ($252 million for Yankee Alex Rodriguez); won largest arbitration victory award in MLB history; was first player representative to obtain free agency for drafted player.
In 20-plus years, has negotiated roughly $3 billion in contracts. Represents 85 major leaguers. Current roster includes Yankees A-Rod, Kevin Brow, Johnny Damon; former Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitchers Jarrod Washburn, Jeff Weaver, now with Seattle Mariners. Angels clients include third baseman Dallas McPherson, pitchers Chris Bootcheck, Jared Weaver, minor leaguers Nick Adenhart, Terry Evans. Has nine clients on Angels’ AL West rival Texas Rangers.
For Los Angeles Dodgers, represents pitcher Derek Lowe, minor leaguers Tony Abreu, Chin-Hui Tsao. Represented Greg Maddux in one-year, $10 million deal with San Diego Padres with option for 2008. His Newport Beach company also runs Impact Marketing, Impact Consulting, Boras Sports Fitness Institute. About 40 people in local office work on player data; has 20 scouts. One employee in Tokyo office; also has presence throughout U.S., Dominican Republic (where company is building an office), Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Mexico.
Moved back into 25,000-square-foot headquarters at Corporate Plaza early 2007 after extensive renovation that includes secure technology systems, specially designed computer room, full kitchen, outdoor courtyard with fireplace. Five TV screens in conference room alone. Designed around comfort, privacy for players, convenience for late-working employees. Special exhibits featuring clients past, present still in works. Recently installed baseball bat sculpture in lobby atrium; baseball wall also part of mix.
Thinks key to steroids issue is better education for players; believes steroids hurt players long term. Says public often believes steroids equal skill.
Company donated baseball field to Newport Beach Little League; scoreboard to Corona del Mar High School, field improvements at other schools. Donated $75,000 to UCI baseball program, $250,000 to University of Pacific’s baseball program.
Grew up on 800-acre farm in Elk Grove near Sacramento. Dad insisted he, siblings do chores before they could listen to or play baseball. Earned baseball scholarship to University of the Pacific in Stockton and signed with St. Louis Cardinals organization. Played in minors for Cardinals 1974 to 1977, Chicago Cubs 1977 to 1978. Left after multiple knee surgeries to complete law degree at McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific. Practiced medical litigation in Chicago law firm until 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. Daughter, 18, now a student at University of Arizona. Two sons, 17, 14. Wife active in charitable causes for Catholic church, Sage Hill High School. Held fund-raiser for J. Serra High School at his home last year. He, wife are patrons of arts, theater, support other OC charities, community programs.
,Sandi Cain
KIM PATRICK BURDICK
President,
Bank of America Orange County;
President, California Premier Banking
Bank of America Corp.
Born in Montebello, Feb. 25, 1957
Lives in Tustin
Public face of BofA here, heading up bid to expand banking with OC’s rich.
Last year, opened Costa Mesa office for wealth management, premier, private banking handling accounts $500,000 to $25 million. Plans to add another this year. Few years ago, set up Newport Beach hub for private banking arm that also serves Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire.
Hiring private bankers: unit’s local workers doubled in past three years, expects 7% yearly growth. Hires, trains, rather than recruits money managers with own clients.
Oversees premier banking statewide for those with $500,000 to $5 million in deposits, investments, loans. Oversees 150,000 clients, $75 billion in assets. Manages 650-member team.
Bank considers OC among its top 10 markets, he says.
Joined as management trainee at 23. Took over OC market operations for second time following 2003 exit of former OC 50er Tara Balfour.
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 newly created position of consumer planning, integration executive. Moved to bank’s North Carolina headquarters for a time. Close ties to BofA consumer banking chief Liam McGee.
Plans in works for large West Coast credit card service center in Brea after 2005 buy of MBNA. Adding to space now used to service mortgages, collections, recruitment.
Grown branches. Battling for deposits amid higher interest rates. OC deposits down 1% to $13 billion for 12 months ended June 30. Looking to lure business banking customers from rivals; faces challenge from Wachovia, Wells Fargo.
Last year, opened banking center in heart of downtown Santa Ana, at Fourth, Main streets.
Takes philanthropy seriously. Expects executives to be involved with community, which helps expand personal ties. Doubled contributions to OC nonprofits to more than $1.5 million in 2006.
Named after father’s beloved high school teacher, whose name was Kimball. He got shortened version.
Graduated from UCLA, majored in history. Earned graduate certificate in banking from 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. Avid rower, single scull: “I love being in the water first thing in the morning when the sun comes up.”
In 2005, won gold medal in rowing double sculls for California. 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 eating at Gulfstream along Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach for ambience: Two sculls donated from rowing club at UCI hang overhead.
Enjoys spending time with his family, boating, water-skiing. Wife of 26 years Dawn, two children, son, 22, daughter, 18.
,Sarah Tolkoff
SCOTT NELSON FLANDERS
CEO, President
Freedom Communications Inc.
Born in Indiana, Dec. 26, 1956
Lives in Shady Canyon
N. CHRISTIAN ANDERSON III
Publisher, CEO
Orange County Register;
President
Freedom Orange County Information,
Senior Vice President
Freedom Communications Inc.
Born in Idaho, Aug. 4, 1950
Lives in Coto de Caza
Flanders starting second year as CEO of county’s dominant media company.
Been crisscrossing country, meeting with workers, executives, talking strategy.
Result: new investment in interactive division, specialty publications, acquisitions around country.
Steering Freedom into new phase after 2004 sale to private equity firms Blackstone Group, Providence Equity Partners. Deal, worth $2 billion, ended feuding among descendants of founding Holies family who sold about 58% of shares. Firms capped at a 49.9% voting stake. Investors expected to cash out in 2009.
Says his goal is to modernize Freedom, return to family ownership.
Told Smart Business: “What I’m trying to do is not run the company for a day, or a week, or a month but for the next generation of shareholders.”
Says he expected easy time with private equity investors, was warned “the family would drive me crazy.”
“It’s been just the opposite,the family has been embracing,” he says. “The financial sponsors have been very difficult, as they have become masters of the universe” with acquisitions of everything from real estate, hotels to chips, medical devices.
Company’s small community papers doing well. TV stations are solid. Major dailies suffering, but flagship OC Register has respectable 20%-plus margin.
Says company on track to retire debt, buy out investors in two years. Wants to transform old media company for digital age. Struck partnerships with Google, Monster.com.
Told Wall Street Journal this year: “Media companies in transition should be private. When you’re privately backed, you have the flexibility to be nimble.”
Has history with Blackstone: Oversaw firm’s sale of Columbia House to Bertelsmann in 2005.
Freedom has yearly sales of $1 billion from newspapers, Web, and TV,14th largest media company in U.S.
Freedom director since 2003, before getting CEO job. Oversees some 75 newspapers, eight TV stations, magazines.
Has big plans for OC. More local Web sites, magazines, maybe TV station. (Would be second go-round after failed Orange County NewsChannel in 1990s.)
Last year invested $15 million to launch OC Post, quick-read daily tabloid for short-attention-span set.
Former New Yorker, likes broadcast. Could buy more newspapers in 100,000-circulation range.
Most recent buy: four weeklies in northwest Florida.
Battling long-running decline in readers. Flagship Register holding up, beating national averages.
Wants to make Freedom more profitable, reduce debt.
Before running Columbia House, was president of Macmillan Publishing, now part of Germany’s Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck.
Cofounded Telstreet.com in 1998, Indianapolis Web site for wireless products, services. Chairman until company bought by Aliso Viejo-based Buy.com in 2000.
Elected to Newspaper Association of America’s board last year.
Not big on mentoring, micro managing. Rather would give employees leeway, correct mistakes when they happen.
Has economics degree from University of Colorado, law degree from University of Indiana. CPA.
Loves sports, including Indiana basketball, football, running, golf. Likes reading nonfiction books. Also into politics, domestic, international policy. Misses late meals in Manhattan after working until 11 p.m.
Married, three daughters.
Anderson top man at flagship Register since 1999. Saw shift in duties in past year. Used to oversee Arizona, Colorado papers. Now focusing on Register, OC Post, where he’s editor.
OC Post had flashy debut. But about 15,000 paid subscribers so far, below what’s needed to hit initial goal of 140,000 by late year. Goal timetable extended. Little overlap so far with Register subscribers.
Reworking Register to appeal more to loyal subscribers. Most recently replaced business with “Marketplace” section, redid local coverage.
A realist: “The truth of it is, we can’t be all things to all people.”
As head of Freedom Orange County Information, pushes related Web sites. Debuted Squeeze OC, geared toward hip, younger readers, in 2005.
Fought,and won,block-by-block war with L.A. Times for OC readers that ended around 2000, when Tribune bought Times. L.A. paper couldn’t “outlocal the locals,” he says.
Employs about 1,650 workers at Santa Ana newsroom, printing plant, down from 2,000 in recent years. Offered newsroom buyouts last fall.
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 American Society of Newspaper Editors. Director, KOCE-TV Foundation, Orange County Community Foundation.
Wife Aletha, four kids. Likes reading, skiing.
,Sarah Tolkoff
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
Pacific Investment Management Co.
Born in St. Louis, Aug. 7, 1945
Lives in Shady Canyon
Gross investment guru, Thompson global minded executive at big bond fund manager.
Gross is star fund manager, sought out for opinions on interest rates, economy, other matters. Thompson runs operation, looking to conquer opening markets in Europe, Asia, Middle East.
Hot topic these days for Gross: interest rates. Predicts cuts this year to ward off recession. Tighter credit from subprime fallout could force Fed’s hand, he says.
Runs monster bond fund, Pimco Total Return, with $102 billion in assets. In all, oversees $668 billion in assets under management at Pimco.
Bond king podcasting monthly “Invest-ment Outlook” Web column, which has huge following among finance types. Some podcasts translated into Japanese. Started podcasting in 2005 because son thought it “would be cool.”
Challenges at hand: higher interest rates, inflation, deficits all impacting bonds.
Sought to diversify with currency, commodity, other funds.
Key bond rival BlackRock now counts $1.1 trillion in assets after being bought by Merrill Lynch’s investment management arm in September.
Thompson unfazed: “Our goal is not to be the biggest but the best.”
Thompson, Gross skillfully pulled off majority sale seven years ago to Allianz to create global powerhouse with more than $1 trillion under management, more than half managed by Pimco.
Two were leaders in forming Pimco Advisors in 1994 after split from Pacific Life, which still retains $286 million, down 22% from year ago. Once held as much as $1.5 billion in the late 1990s.
Thompson chairs Pimco’s compensation, executive, partners committees. Sits on management board, ex-executive committee of Allianz Global Investors, as well as international executive committee of Allianz. At Pimco, oversees 800 people in U.S.,500 in Newport Center,eight global offices.
Disciplined, straight shooter, responsible for expanding business worldwide (manages people, business while Gross manages money). Targeting growth in deregulating Asian, European pension markets. Tapped to manage some Chinese Social Security funds last year. A quarter of clients outside U.S., sees that growing to half.
Visits each office annually.
Serves hot dogs to workers every year on his birthday. Prior to joining Pimco in 1993 as CEO, spent 18 years with Salomon Brothers including two in Tokyo as chairman, Salomon Brothers Asia.
Personal mantra: Reward people on merit, not hierarchy. Don’t let head get too big.
Thompson, Gross emerged stronger from mutual fund scandal couple of years ago. Pimco’s funds drew attention from regulators, but no charges.
Pair used episode to wrest control of Pimco name from parent company’s troubled East Coast stock funds, which settled illegal trading charges.
Gross, Thompson recently re-upped contracts for two years.
“Neither of us have any plans to step down,” Thompson says.
Gross said to be highest paid executive in OC.
He’s tweaking bond strategy as deficits widen, dollar falls. Been big buyer of TIPs,treasury inflation protected bonds.
No stranger to controversy, Gross has taken on hedge funds, GE, government inflation trackers. Called hedge funds overpriced, too leveraged (though he’s used some of their investing tricks amid low bond returns). Blasted way government tracks inflation. Said the consumer price index is really 1% higher than official figures, real GDP is 1% less. A Republican, came out against invading Iraq in 2003.
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 From Pimco’s Bill Gross,” by Tom Middleton, out in 2004.
Slave to routine. Checks data terminals from home at 4:30 a.m., eats breakfast, heads to office. Digests morning’s economic news. Tries to keep information flow to a minimum. Limits phone calls, e-mails. No Blackberry, cell phone. At 8:30 a.m., breaks for gym for exercise, yoga, meditation.
Feared blackjack player. Learned how to play after a car crash put him in hospital during college. Honed skill in Las Vegas.
Humble, almost shy. Jogger, stamp collector. In 2005, became second person to have complete 19th century U.S. stamp collection. Selling collection of British stamps for about $5 million to benefit charity.
Bachelor’s from Duke, MBA from UCLA. Philanthropic: with wife Sue, gave $23.5 million to Duke to endow scholarships, support faculty. Also gave $20 million to Hoag for hospital’s Women’s Pavilion bearing their names. Funded James Hines Foundation, which contributes $100,000 annually to OC Teachers of the Year. Donated $1.5 million to Sage Hills private school for minority scholarships. Donated $10 million for the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at UCI in 2006.
Has three adult children: two guys, girl.
Thompson on Pacific Life board. Involved with Hoag Hospital Foundation, now chairman emeritus.
Regularly contributes to Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Orangewood Children’s Home. Instrumental in setting up $15 million Pimco Foundation, funded by managing directors.
Married to Nancy for 38 years. Couple into yoga, physical training, local charities. Gave $1 million to high school where they met. In 2005, gave $8.5 million to University of Missouri-Columbia for autism treatment, research center.
Graduated from U of Missouri in 1968 with civil engineering degree. Business master’s from Harvard.
Three children: William III, 34, works for Citigroup; Emily, 31, Bucknell University, Chapman U alum living in Newport Beach, works with autistic children; Brad, 28, attended University of Oregon, lives in San Francisco.
Raised in Midwest. He, wife own home in Lake Tahoe, cabin near Lake of Ozarks in Missouri where they go bass fishing. Likes reading, golf (15 handicap). Has played in Toshiba Pro Am, AT & T; Pebble Beach Classic. Also loves vintage American cars.
Gross, Thompson won Toshiba Pro Am this year.
,Sarah Tolkoff
THOMAS VINCENT McKERNAN
CEO
Automobile Club of Southern California
Born in Arcadia, June 20, 1944
Lives on Lido Isle
AAA lifer, stars in club’s commercials.
Club known to everyday folks for towing service. AAA is big insurer, travel services company. Yearly revenue of some $3 billion. Run as not-for-profit mutual benefit corporation on behalf of members.
McKernan at start of year passed on president title to COO Robert Bouttier. McKernan quiet on retirement plans, set to continue as CEO, focusing on “long-range strategy,” training executives, top managers.
Hired in 1966 at AAA’s Pasadena office. Finished college courses at night. Worked in data processing for 14 years.
Elected CFO in 1985, when club was heading toward financial disaster.
In late 1980s, was mentored by management guru Peter Drucker, founder of graduate business program at Claremont College, where McKernan attended.
Made executive vice president in 1990, then president, chief executive in 1991. Joined board in 1996.
Has doubled membership to 6 million members. About 65% of OC households have Auto Club membership.
Oversees expansion of AAA clubs, affiliates into other states.
Made big strides gaining market share for insurance,homeowner, auto policies brought in about $2.4 billion in revenue last year. AAA fourth-largest auto insurer in state. Insures about 2 million cars in Southland, 15% market share. Sixth-largest homeowner’s insurer in country.
First auto insurer to cut rates under plan put forth by former California insurance commissioner John Garamendi. Shaved 7% off annual bills of nearly 1 million policyholders. Move stands to cut about $133 million in yearly profits.
Has worked to boost travel services. Business had $700 million in revenue last year. Put travel agencies in every Auto Club office in the late 1990s, pushes services through direct mail, club magazine, Westways.
Recently elected New Majority chairman. Serves on boards of California State Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital, Payden & Rygel Investment Group, Blue Shield of California, Forest Lawn Memorial Parks Association, others.
Chair of California Business Roundtable.
Appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzen-egger in February to task force on Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta. In 1990s, appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson as chair of state’s School-to-Career Advisory Council. Also served on Welfare to Work Task Force.
Contributes to Performing Arts Center’s student program, Summer at the Center. On center’s executive committee overseeing board expansion.
Involved in efforts with high schoolers on job training, career education: “Someone helped me out when I was a young person. I feel that helping young people get on the right foot is very important.”
Collects classic muscle cars. Currently restoring a 1956 Chevy with a “monster engine.” Cars kept in Arcadia, where he has a home. Brings them out for Newport Beach Concours d’Elegance classic car show, charity events. Introduced one daughter to drag racing hobby.
Earned a bachelor’s in business, information systems, MBA in finance from Cal State L.A. Holds advanced MBA from Drucker Management Center at Claremont. Won outstanding alumnus awards from both schools.
Married to wife, Judy, 35 years. Two daughters: Megan, 27, who received her physics master’s from USC; Shannon, 25, in doctoral program at Chapman University.
,Sarah Tolkoff
ARTURO RICARDO
“ARTE” MORENO
Owner
Angels Baseball LP
Born in Tucson, Aug. 14, 1946
Lives in Phoenix, La Jolla
Fantasy baseball, billionaire style.
Lifelong baseball fan bought Anaheim Angels in 2003, has built winning team, packed stadium, bolstered business side. Fan’s owner, though many here still smarting over 2005 name change to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Spent 2005, early 2006 battling Anaheim in court. Appeal pending. Jury found he didn’t violate Angel Stadium of Anaheim lease with name change. Relations with fellow OC 50er Mayor Curt Pringle strained since.
Faced controversy of different sort during spring training, after $50 million outfielder Gary Matthews Jr.’s name surfaced in probe of online drug purchases.
Moreno expressed disappointment, pushed Matthews to make statement, which outfielder did in mid-March.
Promised Angels would make major move for a big bat but lost to Chicago Cubs in bidding war for outfielder Alfonso Soriano, top free agent of the 2006 class. Offered seven years, $118 million. Soriano took eight-year, $136 million deal from Cubs.
Made several moves, including signing pitchers Justin Speier, Darren Oliver, designated hitter Shea Hillenbrand.
Worked wonders at front office. Bought team from Disney four years ago for $184 million. Now worth $431 million, according to Forbes. Broadcast deals now worth more than $40 million a year, up from $12 million in 2003. Holds $500 million, 10-year TV deal with Fox Sports West.
Former Billboard exec has turned stadium into mini Times Square. Expects $20 million from stadium signs this year, up from $3 million when he bought team. Commercials air on stadium big screen. Tempe Diablo spring training stadium now in black after losing $500,000 a year.
Angels had respectable 2006, finishing second in American League West with 89-73 record. But didn’t make playoffs for first time in three years.
Team drew 3.4 million fans, about that of 2005.
Has opened wallet. Opening day payroll of $109.3 million ranked fourth in baseball.
Moreno, other investors, bought Spanish language Radio 830 KMXE for $42 million. Station does Spanish broadcasts of Angel games, now known as 830 KLAA.
Says he loves OC, looking for a coastal home in Newport or Laguna so he doesn’t have to put up family in hotels during homestands.
Goes by “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. Forbes puts wealth at $1.2 billion.
Former owner of minor league baseball team in Salt Lake City, had been minority owner of Arizona Diamondbacks in native Arizona. Owned stake worth some $30 million in NBA’s Phoenix Suns.
Fourth-generation Mexican-American, role model for OC, other Hispanics. Oldest of 11 children. Speaks fluent Spanish, often to fans, workers. Thanked Hispanic juror during name trial with “muchas gracias.”
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. Lives in tony part of Phoenix near Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. Family spends summers at La Jolla home. Travels via private jet.
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
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)
Presided over April decision naming Chicago over L.A. as U.S. city to bid for 2016 Olympic summer games.
Has sought to bolster U.S. clout with International Olympic Committee, sees getting 2016 games as good for country “given our current world standing and some of our current policies.”
Decision due in 2009. Chicago could face rivals in Doha, Qatar, Madrid, Milan, New Delhi; Prague, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Tokyo.
Brought same pragmatic approach to selection process as he did to 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Held frank discussions early on with political, corporate leaders about bids. Now shaping U.S. Olympic Committee’s message in support of Chicago. Stresses broadcast, sponsorship money here would be tops.
Seen as white knight after Olympic scandals of past few years, infighting at committee. Term as chairman ends next year. Newport Beach’s Bob Ctvrtlik, committee’s international VP, possible successor to Ueberroth.
Enjoys lasting notoriety from role organizing 1984 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.
Mounted bid for governor in 2003
recall vote, later threw support behind Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. A Republican, ran as independent focused on jobs.
Managing director of Newport’s Contrarian Group, which 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. Buyout team included Arnold Palmer, Clint East-wood, Richard Ferris.
Ueberroth’s co-chairman of Pebble Beach Co., which is set for summer Coastal Com-mission hearing on plans for 18-hole golf course, driving range, horse park, homes, hotel in Monterey Peninsula’s fabled Del Monte Forest. Voters passed project a few years ago.
Baseball commissioner, 1984 to 1989. Boasts all teams were profitable when he left. March death of predecessor Bowie Kuhn brought many a mention of Ueberroth.
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 in 1980 as 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, Adecco.
Director, Newport Beach-based travel company, meeting planner Ambassadors International. Son Joseph is CEO. Friend of 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. Director, First American, along with OC 50ers Parker Kennedy, Georgy Argyros, Jim Doti.
Couple owns Paso Robles winery, organically produces zinfandels. Has three daughters, son. Eight grandchildren.
,Michael Lyster
THOMAS COLE SUTTON
Chairman
Pacific Mutual Holding Co.,
Pacific Life Insurance Co.
Born in Atlanta, June 2, 1942
Lives in Corona del Mar
JAMES THOMAS MORRIS
CEO, President
Pacific Mutual Holding Co.,
Pacific Life Insurance Co.
Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., Jan. 11, 1960
Lives in Laguna Niguel
Duo represents epic transition in steady world of Pacific Life.
Morris took CEO reins from Sutton in April, becoming 14th boss in life insurer’s 139-year history. Company’s first CEO was railroad tycoon Leland Stanford, who went on to found Stanford University.
Morris named as Sutton successor in November, trained one-on-one. Named chief operating officer a year ago.
Sutton, CEO for the past 17 years, stays on as chairman.
Morris heads parent company Pacific Mutual Holding, primary operating unit Pacific Life. County’s largest private company with 2006 sales of about $5 billion. Owned by policyholders.
First big move: selling stock brokerages Associated Securities, Mutual Service, Waterstone Financial Group to San Diego’s LPL Financial Services. Terms of deal, expected to close this summer, weren’t disclosed.
Oversaw company’s brokerages as COO, worked on deal since last year.
Big move in works. Plans to shift about 1,000 workers from Newport Center to Aliso Viejo once eight-story story offices are done in 2008.
Plans to keep headquarters at company-owned Newport Center building.
Employs 2,500 workers in OC, down 8% from 2004 levels with shift of work to regional business center in Nebraska, 2004 sale of health insurance unit to PacifiCare.
Company considered one of tops in insurance industry. Started in 1868 in San Francisco.
Much more than insurance these days. Aviation capital group counts 215 aircraft worth more than $5 billion. Company has a 91% stake in the group, which buys planes, then leases them to airlines.
Parent still owns brokerages M.L. Stern & Co., majority of United Planners’ Financial Services of America.
Premiums make company big investor in mortgages, bonds, venture funds, real estate.
Pacific Life spawned bond fund manager Pacific Investment Management. Retains slowly dwindling stake in Pimco. Now worth $286 million, down 22% from year ago. Once held as much as $1.5 billion in the late 1990s.
Germany’s Allianz, which bought most of Pimco in 2000, could exercise option to buy remaining Pacific Life stake this year. Pimco boss, OC 50er William Thompson on Pacific Life board.
Big sports backer as way to reach new customers, connect with existing ones. Title sponsor of Pacific Life Open, an Indian Wells tennis tournament in March. Also, title sponsor of Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, 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.
Big community benefactor. Committed $3.6 million this year. Beneficiaries include: Performing Arts Center, Bolsa Chica Conservancy, Tiger Woods Learning Center Foundation, KOCE, UCI Foundation, Ocean Institute. Gave $1 million to UNICEF for tsunami relief in 2005.
Like Sutton, a career Pacific Life guy. Was summer actuarial student from 1981 to 1982 with Transamerica Occidental before joining Pacific Life in 1982 as assistant actuary in marketing.
Promoted to assistant VP, product research, development in 1986. Rose through ranks to department VP by 1990. Six years later became senior VP.
In 2002, promoted to executive VP of life insurance division. A year ago, role expanded to include annuities, mutual funds division, Pacific Select Group, which oversees brokerages.
Oversees donations for Pacific Life’s foundation.
Fellow, Society of Actuaries. Member, American Academy of Actuaries. Graduated from UCLA with bachelor’s in mathematics, 1982.
Director, Hoag Hospital Foundation.
Married to Ann Morris, two children. Couple supports Court Appointed Special Advocates, nonprofit mentoring group.
Sutton oversaw expansion of company into financial services, aviation. Led 2005’s $2.6 billion buy of Bellevue, Wash.-based aircraft leasing company Boullioun Aviation Services. Move doubled aviation capital group, launched more than a decade ago.
Met goal of reaching $100 billion in assets by April.
Sutton helped come up with trademark logo, breaching humpback whale.
Worked summers with the company during college, stayed on as an actuary.
Earned bachelor’s in mathematics, physics from University of Toronto. Completed Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program.
Director, Irvine Co., Southern California Edison. Member, UCI Chief Executive Roundtable. Chairman, Public Policy Institute of California, Association 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.
Wife, high school sweetheart, Marilyn, English professor. Three grown sons, one grown daughter.
Skis, golfs, travels, reads. Says he could go back to school to study physics upon retirement.
,Sarah Tolkoff
ED A. GRIER
President, Disneyland Resort
Walt Disney Co.
Born in Atlanta, Feb. 15, 1955
Lives in Tustin
Named president of Disneyland Resort, OC’s largest employer, last summer after Matt Ouimet’s departure for Starwood Hotels. Oversees operation, management, growth of two theme parks, three hotels, Downtown Disney. Working on planning for third Anaheim park.
Reports to Al Weiss, president of operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Most recently spent two years in Japan, where he was executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan, led operations team for Tokyo Disney Resort.
Third boss at Disneyland since 1999. First in recent years from operations side. Gets in trenches with workers, spending time on night shift, walking park. No-nonsense guy, pays attention to park appearance. Willing to tweak operations to boost experience for visitors.
Likes talking to employees, visitors about ways to improve parks. Priorities are keeping up momentum that brought crowds to parks during 18-month 50th anniversary that peaked in 2005, keeping high level of employee/guest interaction.
With tight labor market, says Disneyland has stepped up recruitment, in part through Disney College, CareerStart Programs of paid internships with potential for permanent jobs. Also has increased employee retention efforts.
After quiet start during transition from Japan, jumped into local political fray in tussle over adding homes to Anaheim Resort District, a 2.2-square-mile section of city set aside in 1994 for tourist businesses. Leads Disneyland’s opposition to city’s move last week to allow Irvine’s SunCal, others to build housing. Disney sued the city, recalling political battles from late 1980s when company threatened to put second theme park in Long Beach. With Chamber of Commerce, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, others, driving effort dubbed Save Our Anaheim Resort to place issue on ballot. City Council pondering own initiative. Fellow OC 50er Mayor Curt Pringle backs Disney ballot effort.
Involved in planning for third theme park in Anaheim on 75 acres near Harbor Boulevard, Katella Avenue. Focus is on what will work for the next 50 years, he says.
City’s decision on homes in resort district may impact those plans. How it plays out may define his presidency.
Ramping up to Disneyland debut of Finding Nemo Submarine Adventure ride, revamp of Tom Sawyer Island into pirate theme for third “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie this summer. “Toy Story Mania” set for California Adventure next year.
Born, raised in Atlanta, earned bachelor’s in business from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. CPA, worked for Ernst & Young prior to joining Disney in 1981 as senior auditor at Walt Disney World Florida. Held other executive positions in Florida, at Disneyland Resort Paris in France. From 1992 to 2004, was general manager of Walt Disney World’s Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios before taking on Tokyo project.
Wife of 26 years, Valerie. Three sons. Two live at home, one at boarding school.
,Sandi Cain
PARKER STEVEN KENNEDY
Chairman, CEO
First American Corp.
Born in Orange, Feb. 18, 1948
Lives in Orange Park Acres
Head of OC’s No. 2 public company by revenue, faring far better than most real estate-related companies during housing slowdown of past year.
Runs country’s No. 2 title insurer, writing policies to protect buyers of homes, other real estate from contested claims. Saw eroding profits in title business last year, result of general decline in real estate activity, home price depreciation, increased industry regulation.
Not punished by Wall Street. Investors, analysts starting to take notice of company’s diversification into other business data, operations.
First American counts recent market value of about $5 billion, stock near five-year high. Kennedy still believes company is undervalued by about a billion dollars.
Challenge for 2007: bolster profits, especially for title business. Sales for 2006 were up 5% to $8.5 billion. Net income down 40% to $288 million.
Title insurance still bulk of company’s business. In fourth quarter, First American saw title profits nearly halved from year earlier. Hoping to get title business down to about 50% of revenue within next few years from about two-thirds now.
Spent past year continuing strategy of diversification through acquisitions, eyeing data services related to real estate, which it provides to lenders, real estate agents, appraisers.
Largest buy ever in February. Paid $100 million in cash plus stock for Sacramento-based CoreLogic Systems, provider of fraud detection software to mortgage lenders, investors, insurers.
Great timing for acquisition, with fallout from defaulting subprime loans making headlines. CoreLogic helps companies such as Irvine’s Impac Mortgage Holdings weed out bad loans before buying them.
Slowing down title acquisitions in favor of data, technology deals.
Company boasts nation’s largest, most comprehensive property database. Has 33,000 workers, including 2,700 in OC. Recently undertook major expansion of Santa Ana campus, added nearly 300,000 square feet.
Represents fourth generation to run business founded in 1889 by great-grandfather C.E. Parker. Went public in 1964, family led since then. Succeeded dad Donald Kennedy as chairman in 2003.
Shareholders, directors call shots. Says he can be fired at any time, and that’s a good thing.
Before joining First American in 1977, spent four years with Beverly Hills law firm Levinson & Lieberman. Became First American vice president in 1979, executive vice president in 1983. Became president in 1993 (company didn’t use chief executive title back then).
Gave up president’s title in late 2004, named Craig DeRoy to spot. DeRoy company insider, but not member of Kennedy clan. Succession not being openly discussed yet. Both men in their 50s. One thing for sure: next leader won’t be member of Kennedy clan.
Title insurance heavily scrutinized. Paid $2 million last year to resolve charges from New York’s then-attorney general Eliot Spitzer. In 2005, First American, other title insurers agreed to pay $38 million to settle charges with former California insurance commissioner John Garamendi, following probe into title insurer payments to lenders, agents, homebuilders for referrals. Another $24 million settlement in 2004 with Colorado over similar charges.
Internal review of stock option grants during the past 10 years resolved last year, with $35.7 million price tag to fix misdated options. Company says impact “negligible.”
Diversification remains key for company’s growth. More than 50 acquisitions in past two decades, company now does credit reporting, flood zone insurance, property valuation, worker screening, automotive credit, other services. Has 77% stake in St. Petersburg, Fla.-based First Advantage, holding company for businesses outside real estate.
Fortune 500 company. Perennial Fortune “Most Admired,” Forbes 400 company.
Personable, known as “Park.” Remembers employees’ birthdays. Holds informal meetings with exec team daily. Described as company “quarterback.” Most active overseeing company’s title business.
Involved with many groups. Serves on board of Fletcher Jones Foundation, Boy Scouts of America’s OC Council, which awarded him group’s Distinguished Citizen Award in 2004. Past chair of Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Bowers Museum.
Bachelor’s in economics from USC; law degree from Hastings College of Law, San Francisco.
With wife of 28 years, Sherry, have two grown children. Hobbies include running (including Los Angeles Marathon), fly-fishing, golf.
,Mark Mueller
GREG CREED
President, Taco Bell Corp.
Born in Brisbane, Australia,
July 16, 1957
Lives in Coto de Caza
Appointed el presidente of nation’s largest Mexican fast food chain in December. Replaced former OC 50er Emil Brolick, who revived chain, now president of U.S. brand building at parent Yum Brands.
Creed previously was Yum COO. First came to Taco Bell in 2001 after serving as chief marketing officer for Yum predecessor Tricon Restaurants. Spearheaded Taco Bell’s “Think Outside the Bun” campaign, developed Taco Bell in native Australia.
Rough start. Still coping with last fall’s E. coli outbreak, which sickened more than 70 people on East Coast. Chain first blamed onions, then lettuce. Now faces a string of lawsuits. Green onion provider, Oxnard-based Boskovich Farms, sued in March.
Closed New York KFC/Taco Bell in February when video of rat infestation hit the Web.
Sales, profits suffered. E. Coli outbreak cost company $20 million in lost sales, franchise fees. Same-store sales dropped 5% in fourth quarter, versus 7% gain a year earlier.
Rebuilding brand through fierce marketing campaign, radio, TV commercials. Company’s new buzz word: “melty.” Recently ate with Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell at Philadelphia Taco Bell to show food is safe. Daughter is student in New York, told her perfectly safe to eat at Taco Bells there.
Continued Taco Bell history of marketing stunts by writing open letter to Kevin Federline around time of Nationwide Insurance Super Bowl commercial. Invited Britney Spears’ ex to work for Taco Bell of his choice. Open letter’s become shtick. Penned another to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke to “zest up the economy” during March Madness, kicked off 99 cent Zesty Nachos.
Company once gave away a million pesos (about $94,000), year of free food, trip to headquarters in promotion for Mountain Dew Baja Blast. Winner got to be “el presidente” for a day.
Taco Bell sells more than $6 billion annually at more than 5,900 restaurants. Company restaurants do about $2 billion, rest from franchises. Eateries boast taco shaped door handles, bell logos on chairs.
Working with MasterCard to test new way to pay: MasterCard PayPass cards allow customers to pay for food by tapping checkout counter readers without signing receipts.
Morning guy: Testing breakfast menu at California, other restaurants. Chain was one of few not to offer breakfast.
Launched Carne Asada Steak Grilled Taquitos. Portable, convenient for drive-through buyers, bulk of Taco Bell business.
Before Taco Bell, worked for PepsiCo, which spun off Tricon as Yum. Spent 17 years with Unilever. Headed brands such as Dove, Wisk, Surf, All from offices in Australia, London, New York.
Bachelor’s from Queensland University of Technology. Wife, Carolyn. Children, Tim, Lauren. Hobbies include golf, flying.
,Jessica C. Lee
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HONORABLE MENTION
ROBERT “BOB” HOFF
General Partner
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CEO, President
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Senior Vice President, Group
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CEO, President
Hyundai Motor America Inc.;
Executive Vice President, COO
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Cofounder, Chairman
Downey Financial Corp.
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Chairman, CEO
Roth Capital Partners LLC
RON SIMON
Owner, Chairman, CEO
RSI Holding Corp.
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Owner, President
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MARK WETTERAU
Chairman, CEO
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NICK E. YOCCA
Cofounder, Partner
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth
