Haute 100 Miami Update: Micky Arison

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100ers who are making headlines. Check back daily for more info on the most powerful people in your city. Today, Miami’s Haute 100 member, Micky Arison.

Micky Arison
Category: Billionaires
Company: Carnival Corporation, Miami Heat
Industry: Cruise

WHAT MADE HIM HAUTE: This Carnival Corporation chairman and CEO saw his stock surge a whopping 59 percent over the past year, adding around $1.5 billion to his personal net worth and bringing the total to around $4.4 billion. Carnival, which operates 11 cruise lines, claims that at any given time, some 225,000 people are sailing on one of its 95 ships around the globe. As if that wouldn’t keep him busy, Arison also took control of the Miami Heat in 1995 as managing general partner and guided the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2006. The Heat has made the playoffs 11 out of the 14 years he has been in control. Most recently, Arison made headlines when he personally donated $5 million to Haitian earthquake relief efforts.

WHAT MAKES HIM HAUTE NOW: It’s not just the fact that he is one of the wealthiest residents to call Miami home (and that’s quite a statement considering how affluent our market can be); the reason that Arison is earning our nods today is because of his redefined commitment to keep one of our favorite NBA stars here in the Magic City. B-ball fans who showed up to Wednesday night’s game for the regular season finale were treated to a three-page letter from Miami Heat Head Coach Pat Riley affirming that both he and Arison are, “in total agreement that we will do whatever it takes to re-sign Dwyane Wade. He’s our ‘max player’ and we want him to spend his entire career in a Miami Heat uniform.” Congratulations on a kudos move Mr. Arison. The whole city is behind your efforts.