Stephen M. Ross is the Chairman and Founder of Related Companies. He began his career as a tax attorney at Coopers & Lybrand and later moved to New York City to work in real estate. Despite being fired from Bear Stearns, he utilized his knowledge to organize deals for wealthy investors and eventually founded Related Companies in 1972. Under his leadership, the company has developed iconic mixed-use projects like Hudson Yards and has become one of the largest owners of luxury residential rental properties.