Stephen M. Ross

For other people named Stephen Ross, see Stephen Ross (disambiguation).

Stephen M. Ross
Ross (center) at an event at Miami Beach Senior High
Born	1940 (age 71–72) Hamtramck, Michigan United States
Residence	New York, New York
Alma mater	University of Florida University of Michigan Wayne State University New York University
Occupation	Chairman & CEO of The Related Companies, 95% owner of Miami Dolphins
Known for	Time Warner Center
Spouse	Kara Ross

Stephen M. Ross (born 1940 in Hamtramck, Michigan) is an American real estate developer who lives in New York City. He is the founder, chairman and CEO of The Related Companies, L.P., a global real estate development firm. Related is best known for developing the Time Warner Center, where Ross lives and works. A native of Miami Beach, he also owns the Miami Dolphins NFL football franchise and 95% of Sun Life Stadium. The University of Michigan renamed its business school Ross School of Business in his honor after receiving a $100 million gift from Ross.

Early life

Ross was raised in Detroit and later graduated from Miami Beach Senior High. He attended the University of Florida and then transfered to the University of Michigan Business School, where he earned his bachelors degree in accounting in 1962. He also received a Juris Doctor from the Wayne State School of Law in 1965. He earned an LL.M. degree in Taxation from the New York University School of Law (1966).

He began his career as a tax attorney at Coopers & Lybrand in Detroit, and went on to become assistant vice president in the real estate subsidiary of Laird Inc. and in the corporate finance department of Bear Stearns, both in New York City.

The Related Companies

The Related Companies is best known for its Time Warner Center in Manhattan's Columbus Circle.

As of 2011 his estimated net worth according to Forbes is $3.1 billion, down from previous years. Ross is said to be building a theme park across the street from Sun Life Stadium.

Miami Dolphins

In February 2008, Ross bought 50 percent of the Miami Dolphin franchise, Dolphin Stadium and surrounding land from then-owner Wayne Huizenga for $550 million, with an agreement to later become the Dolphins' managing general partner. On January 20, 2009, in exchange for $1 billion more, Ross closed on the purchase of an additional 45 percent of the team from Wayne Huizenga. This means Ross is now the owner of 95% of both the franchise and the stadium. Ross announced his intention to keep Bill Parcells as the director of football operations. Parcells later stepped down from his position shortly before the 2010 NFL season. Since buying the Dolphins, Ross has brought in Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams, as minority owners of the team.

Civic and philanthropic leadership

Ross was co-chair of the University of Michigan's fund raising campaign, which was completed May 2007. He is currently serving on President Mary Sue Coleman's Advisory Group and the Director's Cabinet in the University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. In 2004, Ross made the single largest contribution to the University of Michigan by donating $100 million to the school. The University renamed its business school, Ross School of Business in his honor.

He was on the executive committee of NYC2012, New York’s initiative to bring the summer Olympic Games to New York City in 2012, which failed when London won instead. Mr. Ross is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Equinox Holdings, Inc. and chairperson emeritus of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), the city’s leading real estate trade association. As a member of the Board of Trustees of the Guggenheim Foundation, Mr. Ross was involved in the planning of a major renovation of the Frank Lloyd Wright iconic building in New York and other new museums. He is a trustee of New York Presbyterian Hospital, the Urban Land Institute, the NY Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, the Levin Institute and is a director of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and the World Resources Institute. He also serves on the Executive Committee and is a trustee of Lincoln Center.

Honors and awards

Over the years, Mr. Ross has received numerous honors for his business, civic, and philanthropic activities. Most recently, he was named the Most Powerful Person in New York Real Estate by the New York Observer, Multi-Family Property Executive of the Year by Commercial Property News, and Housing Person of the Year by the National Housing Conference. He also received The National Building Museum Honor Award, REBNY’s Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award and the Jack D. Weiler Award from UJA. Crain’s New York named Mr. Ross one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in Business and Mr. Ross was recognized by NYC & Company with their Leadership in Tourism Award.

Political Views

Ross is registered democrat but a major supporter and contributor to the 2012 presidential campaign of Mitt Romney.

Family

Stephen Ross and his wife Kara, an entrepreneur and jewelry designer, reside in New York with her two daughters from a previous marriage, Avery and Drew. Stephen has two of his own children Jennifer and Kimberly from his first marriage. Stephen Ross' uncle Max M. Fisher was a financier and philanthropist from Detroit, Michigan.

External links

• Stephen M. Ross - Chairman Of The Board
• Images for Stephen M. Ross, google.com

Preceded by Wayne Huizenga

Miami Dolphins Principal Owner 2009-present

Succeeded by incumbent