Along with his leadership role at Gibson Dunn and his work as a trial and antitrust lawyer, Rob Walters dedicates his time to nonprofit and community endeavors. He was instrumental in making Klyde Warren Park a reality, and he recently took the helm of the Dallas Citizens Council as chairman. “I’m excited about the emerging consensus in Dallas about who we want to be,” he says.
Education: The University of Texas at Austin (JD, BA)
Birthplace: Gene Autry, Oklahoma
Best Advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask the tough question. Own your mistakes. And don’t worry about the credit—you’ll get far more done.”
Dinner Party: “If I could have dinner with any two Dallas-Fort Worth business leaders, I’d choose Ron Kirk and Fred Perpall. They represent the best of Dallas and are committed to inclusive growth and prosperity.”
Must-Read: “I think everyone should read the book Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. It answers so much about who we are as a species.”
Favorite Pet: “Jessie, a seven-pound rescue chihuahua”
Favorite Thing: “Having dinner in a scenic place with my family”
Proud Moment: “A highlight was prevailing over the Department of Justice in AT&T’s $108 billion acquisition of Time Warner.”
2020 Taught Me: “Everybody has a plan until they get hit.”
A Better Dallas: “If there was one thing I could change about Dallas to make it even better, I would plant more seeds of growth and prosperity in southern Dallas.”
Nonprofit Cause: “Klyde Warren Park. It’s where Dallas gathers—our town square.”
Last Meal: “For my last meal, I’d choose King Ranch Casserole and Blue Bell Cookies ’n Cream ice cream.”
Beverage of Choice: “Sadly, Diet Coke”
Looking Ahead: “I’m excited about the opportunity for all of us in Dallas to build a better city, together.”
This Q&A is extended content from Dallas 500, a special edition produced by D CEO that profiles the region’s most influential business leaders. Visit www.dallas500.com for details.
