OC 50: INDUSTRY & SERVICES

Orange County Business Journal, Apr 28-May 4, 2008

Gilmore chief operating officer, newly created position. Heads up technology initiatives, manages offshore operations.

First American feeling effects of housing market slump, mortgage crash. Sales down 4% to $8.2 billion in 2007. Company's core title operations saw 9% revenue drop.

Posted net loss of $3.1 million last year, compared to profits of $288 million year earlier. Cutting costs, including job, salary, bonus cuts. Sending some operations offshore.

Shares off some 30% in past year. Recent market value of about $3 billion.

Kennedy represents fourth generation to run business founded in 1889 by great-grandfather C.E. Parker. Went public in 1964, family led since then. Succeeded dad Donald Kennedy as chairman in 2003.

Recently changed board makeup at behest of big shareholder.

Before joining First American in 1977, Kennedy spent four years with Beverly Hills law firm Levinson & Lieberman. Became First American vice president in 1979, executive vice president in 1983. Became president in 1993 (company didn't use chief executive title back then). Gave up president's title in late 2004.

Bachelor's in economics from University of Southern California; law degree from Hastings College of The Law, San Francisco.

Wife of 28 years, Sherry. Two grown children. Enjoys running (including Los Angeles Marathon), fly-fishing, golf.

Gilmore started career in lending. In 1988 joined TRTS Data Services, acquired by First American in 1991. Named vice president, area manager. Moved up ranks, became first president of First American Real Estate Solutions in 1998.

His office is in different building from other executives, in one of newer additions to company's Santa Ana campus. His building houses more techies than real estate types.

Bachelor's in business from San Diego State University. Business master's from Loyola Marymount University.

Wall Street veteran McMahon newest addition to First American's exec team, joining two years ago, after early 2006 death of former financial chief Thomas Klemens.

Previously served as managing director with Lehman Brothers, managed company's Wesl Coast financial institutional practices for six years. Managed similar group for Merrill Lynch. Go-to guy for finance, acquisition issues.

Holds business master's from Fuqua School of Business at Duke. Bachelor's in economics from Villanova University.

-Mark Mueller

THOMAS VINCENT McKERNAN

Chief executive

Automobile Oub of Southern California

Born in Alexandria, La., June 20, 1944

Lives in Arcadia, Hewport Beach

Auto Club lifer, oversees AAA clubs in 15 states. Stars in club's public service commercials.

Club known to everyday folks for towing service. Auto Club is big insurer, travel services company. Yearly revenue of $3.8 billion. Run as not-for-profit mutual benefit corporation on behalf of members.

Started as service representative in 1966 at Pasadena office. Finished college courses at night. Worked in data processing for 14 years.

Named chief financial officer in 1985, when club was heading toward financial disaster Made executive vice president in 1990, then president, chief executive in 1991. Joined board in 1996.