Warren Stephens

Who is Warren Stephens?

Warren Amerine Stephens has been chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Stephens Inc. since 1986.

Stephens graduated from Washington and Lee University and received a master of business administration from Wake Forest University.

In 1981, he joined Stephens, Inc., a family business founded by his uncle in 1933. In 1986, he became its president, after his father, Jackson T. Stephens, decided to step down as CEO. In 2006, he acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares. He also owns major stakes in Oklahoma Gas & Electric, Donrey Media Group, Alltel, and Bank of America. He is also a board member of Dillard's. He sits on the board of trustees of his alma mater, Washington and Lee University.

A Republican, he supported Bob Dole in 1996, Steve Forbes in 1999, and he has supported Mike Huckabee. Stephens was a bundler for Mitt Romney in 2012. He has been critical of presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

An avid golfer, he is a member of the Country Club of Little Rock and the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club. He also built the exclusive Alotian Club outside Little Rock.

A wine aficionado, he sold 5,000 bottles in Sotheby's auction in 2007.