By Steve Adamek
San Diego Business Journal
Click here to read the full profile
Mark Stephens is the managing partner for Ernst & Young LLP’s San Diego office.
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, advisory services and strategic growth markets. The company has 141,000 staff in 140 countries, with more than 200 located in San Diego.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: Hire the best, engage them in experiences that expand their horizons and encourage their thoughts and ideas.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Attract and retain the best and brightest people to provide our clients with the highest quality service. We’re fortunate that the accounting profession remains one of the most sought-after jobs by college graduates.
Guiding principles: All of us in a leadership position do everything we can to ensure that the people of Ernst & Young wake up every day knowing what is right and what is wrong, and knowing that no matter what, nothing is more important than their own personal leadership and integrity and the integrity of our firm.
Yardsticks of success: Dominant market share of initial public offerings and the San Diego market’s perception of excellence as expressed by the various centers of influence.
JUDGMENT CALLS
Best business decision: Greatly expanding our San Diego tax practice by adding three tax partners and other executives with varying specialties.
Worst business decision: Nothing comes to mind.
Toughest business decision: Actions necessary in economic downturns.
Biggest missed opportunity: I’m a glass half full person, so I don’t look at the world in terms of missed opportunities.
Mentor: Roy Brown, the former managing partner in San Diego and Phoenix, because of his strong operational focus, business acumen and ability to navigate through critical situations.
Word that describes you: Caring.