Early Life and Education
Warren Amerine Stephens was born on February 18, 1957, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Jackson T. Stephens and Mary Amerine Stephens. He graduated from Trinity Presbyterian High School in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1975. Stephens earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Washington and Lee University in 1979 and an MBA from Wake Forest University in 1981.
Rise to Success
Stephens joined Stephens Inc. in Little Rock in 1981, beginning his career in the corporate finance department, with a focus on oil and gas. He became head of the department in 1983, concentrating on mergers and acquisitions. In 1986, he was appointed President and CEO of Stephens Inc. He acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Stephens Inc. in 2006.
Key Business Strategies
Under Stephens's leadership, Stephens Inc. has grown into a full-service financial services company. He has expanded its operations and influence, keeping the company's debt ratio low. This strategy allowed Stephens Inc. to thrive even during economic downturns when other investment banks faced difficulties. Stephens Inc. has also focused on providing capital to middle-market and small-cap companies.
Philanthropy
Stephens is involved in various philanthropic endeavors, primarily focusing on arts and education. He has served as chair of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation Board, chair of the Episcopal Collegiate School Foundation Board, and co-chair of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Capital Campaign. The Stephens family is known for its charitable giving.