Warren Stephens
CEO 1986-Present

Warren A. Stephens is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stephens Inc. In 1981, Mr. Stephens joined the firm and in 1986, he was elevated to the position of President of the firm, continuing the evolution of a family business that was started by his father and uncle more than 75 years ago.  In 2006, Warren Stephens acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Stephens Inc. 

In the more than two decades that Warren Stephens has guided the firm, it has continued in the tradition established by his father: building personal relationships that establish a sense of trust.  Those successful relationships evolve into transactions. Stephens Inc. takes a long-term perspective in evaluating opportunities for clients. As a result, the firm is known as a good investment partner that has grown because it has performed. 

Warren Stephens firmly believes that the recent turmoil in the financial markets creates a unique opportunity for a firm like Stephens Inc. “Dad and Uncle Witt told me one of their corporate goals was to be in business the next day. We are under no illusion that anyone would ride to our rescue, so you cannot ever take a risk that could jeopardize the ability of the firm to survive,” Warren once told employees.  It’s a personal philosophy that sounds right on the mark in today’s economic climate. 

Stephens Inc. has strategically expanded its services over the years by focusing on its core investment banking business. Under Warren Stephens’ leadership, substantial resources have been committed in every major division, expanding the firm’s activities in all areas, including: Wealth Management, Investment Banking, Capital Management, Private Equity, Institutional Sales and Trading, Research, and Insurance.