Stephen M. Ross life and biography

Stephen M. Ross(1940), Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Related Companies, an international real estate firm, began his ownership interest in the Miami Dolphins in February of 2008 when he became a 50% partner with H. Wayne Huizenga in the team, Sun Life Stadium, and the surrounding developable land. He increased that share to a 95% ownership of the team and the stadium on January 20, 2009 and assumed the responsibility of Managing General Partner of both the Dolphins and the stadium, which culminated one of his long-held dreams; Mr. Ross grew up in South Florida and the Dolphins have been a lifetime passion for him.

Under Mr. Ross’ leadership, the Dolphins have become one of the most fan-friendly teams in the National Football League. They have significantly increased their presence in the South Florida community with a host of new civic and charity initiatives. The team also has improved the game-day experience for their fans by upgrading all facets of stadium operations and by introducing amenities and events that have made Dolphins home games the place to be during the fall. On the football side, Mr. Ross has lived up to his pledge to support Executive Vice President of Football Operations Bill Parcells and his staff in every way possible, working with them to add such talented players as Brandon Marshall and Karlos Dansby to the roster and ensuring that the coaches, staff and players have all of the necessary resources to build a winning team.

Mr. Ross, a resident of Palm Beach and New York, formed Related in 1972. Today, the company is considered the most prominent privately owned real estate firm in the United States, with expertise in fund management, development, acquisitions, property management, marketing, and sales. Related has real estate assets worth over $15 billion including the landmark Time Warner Center in New York City and CityPlace in West Palm Beach.

Mr. Ross began his career in Detroit, Michigan as a tax attorney and later moved to New York where he specialized in real estate and corporate finance at two investment banking firms immediately prior to founding Related. Mr. Ross graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and from Wayne State University Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. He then received a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University School of Law. In 2004, the University of Michigan renamed its business school the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

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.

Over the years, Mr. Ross has received numerous honors for his business, civic, and philanthropic activities. Most recently, on June 5, 2010, Mr. Ross’ alma mater, Miami Beach High School, named its football field Ross Field, in recognition of his work to spearhead the refurbishment of that facility. Before that, 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. In 2007 he received The National Building Museum Honor Award and in 2005, REBNY presented him with the Harry B. Helmsley Distinguished New Yorker Award. In 2003, he received 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.

Read more