FOUNDER
FIRST TRAVEL/THE CONTRARIAN GROUP LEGACY
LEADERSHIP: Became universally famous in 1984 as the head of the Los Angeles Olympics, which had previously been notorious for draining governments of millions of dollars. Named Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year” for success of those Games. Went on to serve as commissioner of Major League Baseball and part of Pebble Beach ownership with Arnold Palmer and Clint Eastwood.
OC SIGNIFICANCE: Five decades in OC business, civic and investment involvement. Founded First Travel Corp., which grew to 2nd largest in nation. Cofounder Newport Beach private equity firm Contrarian Group in 1989.
FUN FACTS: Son Joe Ueberroth’s Bellwether Financial Group owns one of the world’s biggest marina redevelopment firms, Bellingham Marine, which has built 10k+ projects, including 100+ marinas on the West Coast. Niece Lindsey Ueberroth is CEO of Preferred Travel Group, which says it’s the world’s largest independent hotel collection with over 1,000 properties across multiple brands.
