The Business World Remembers Mark Haines

Corporate executives, on-air guests, commentators and contributors on CNBC had a special appreciation for Mark Haines. Below some of them share their thoughts ...

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A fixture on CNBC since the network's beginning and a welcome daily presence to countless loyal viewers, Mark brought to his work a wonderful mix of intelligence and gruff charm. He helped define not only CNBC but the entire genre of televised business news. — Steve Burke, Chief Executive Officer, NBCUniversal and Executive Vice President, Comcast Corporation

Mark Haines had such an engaging television presence that it is difficult to envision whom CNBC will find to fill his shoes. My condolences to his family. — Alan Greenspan Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve

Mark Haines was a very special person and a rather unique interviewer. When Mark began to question someone you knew, the search for truth was on. He didn’t suffer fools or phoniness. Off-screen he relished talking about his family, his Mets, or maybe, how to handicap a horse race. Despite his fame, he never became self-absorbed. He went out of his way to “dress down” rather than seek attention. He gave a new meaning to rumpled. But there was nothing rumpled about his intellect or his personality. His passing has left a gap that will not be filled. — Art Cashin, Director of Floor Operations, UBS

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Nasdaq remembers Mark Haines

"Mark Haines was a one of a kind personality and newsman who will be greatly missed. Day in and day out he was a steady voice of reason who was never afraid to ask tough questions. My condolences to his wife and children," — Doug OberhelmanCaterpillar Chairman and CEO

While traveling today in Asia, I was saddened to hear the news about Mark Haines' death. Like he did with so many CEOs, Mark effectively and energetically trained his sights on me from time to time, with all the spirit of a morning hunt! Over the years, his personality, drive and professionalism clearly helped to shape the network-and elevate the profile of business in America. All of us at Boeing extend our deepest condolences to the Haines family, which has lost a beloved husband and father; and to the entire CNBC family, which has lost a mentor and dear friend. — Jim McNerneyBoeing Chairman, President and CEO

After watching him for all those years, I just knew that if I said something foolish Mark would make sure I and all the viewers knew it! I got through that interview OK — it was a great test I felt I passed — and always looked forward to doing more. — Tony FrattoManaging Partner at Hamilton Place Strategies

Our heartfelt sorrow to Cindy, Matthew and Meredith on Mark's passing. Mark was a corner stone of CNBC from the very beginning he was the founding anchor of Squawk box. Mark was a television personality, lawyer, business critic and insightful interviewer, his eye was always on the small investor. We have enjoyed his company on and off air for many, many years. He is a legend in the business of financial news and it was an honor knowing him. - Bob and Suzanne WrightRobert C. Wright was a former chairman and CEO of NBC Universal. He and his wife, Suzanne established Autism Speaks.

In Memoriam: Mark Haines

All he ever cared about was that people thought he was fair. When I was an executive he would only begrudgingly take my call, which always made me laugh. But that's why he was so great. He never worried what "the suits" thought. Only the viewers. As it should be. — Jeff Zucker Former President and CEO, NBC Universal

I negotiated Mark's first deal and we had a long talk about the fact that he had gone to law school and never loved the law and that broadcasting was his passion... and it must have been, because when we hired Mark, he worked for very little money, but he was always happy. He loved it. He loved it as a startup, and as CNBC became the preeminent voice in America for business news, he loved it even more. — David ZaslavPresident and CEO of Discovery Communications.

Financial journalism has lost a real pro and I’ve lost a good friend. — Kenneth LangoneChariman & President, Invemed Associates Chairman and Presiden, founder of Home Depot as well as former NYSE Board Member and a former GE Board Member.

Mark Haines: unique, talented, brilliant. A curmudgeon, a pro, erudite and beloved. — David Friend Former Executive Producer for CNBC's Squawk Box and SVP of Business News at CNBC. Mr. Friend is now Senior Vice President of News for the CBS TV Stations and VP of News at WCBS TV.

He was a true media pioneer who put financial reporting at the forefront of the 24 hour news cycle. We have enjoyed the opportunities we have had to work with him in the past. — CME Group

We are all extremely saddened by the horrible news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark’s family and his CNBC colleagues during this very difficult time. We will miss him enormously. — Mohamed El-Erian ,CEO of PIMCO

As a regular contributor for the network, I had the opportunity to get to know Mark personally during my appearances on Squawk on the Street. I quickly came to realize he was passionate about his role in helping to shape the national dialogue on some of the most critical issues we face in our Nation today. It was always an insightful and spirited dialogue when appearing on the air with Mark and his presence and intellect will truly be missed. — Robert L. Johnson, Founder and Chairman of RLJ Companies

I did many interviews with him, particularly a number of years ago, including the period after 9/11. He was his own person and what you saw is what he was. I know that you all worked with him for years and appreciated his unique approach to things. He was a truly honest reporter. Life goes on and CNBC goes on but it will just not be the same. Once again my heartfelt feelings go out to you and the CNBC family. — Bill O'Neill, LOGIC

Short sellers are known to be difficult to deal with, and I am regarded as difficult among other shorts. Mark and I had a terrible argument, in the midst of CNBC’s first reporting on a controversial stock that I covered. We didn’t speak for a long time afterwards. Then one day we spoke for a very long time, Mark spoke to me like a family member with the kindest regards, one of the things that Mark told me on that call was: “You got to understand that people attribute a lot of things to you without knowing you, much less understanding.” Over the years I have thought about that comment many times, and today, when I heard of his passing I cried. — Manuel Ansensio

He was the first (and I suspect the last) to call me “Cautiously Cautious Hugh” in the tradition of Damon Runyon. He was always insightful and penetrating; a truly first rate journalist who will be missed by so many who have gotten to know Mark. I am shocked and very saddened. He will be missed. — Hugh A JohnsonChairman, Hugh Johnson Advisors LLC

For we in the distant planet Mark would call “the strange land of Academia,” Mark was the gold standard of journalistic integrity. I worked with him for 21 years - since 1990 as one of his regular commentators on the courage and conduct of top leaders. — Jeffrey SonnenfeldYale School of Management

On one show, I accused Mark of being the Lou Dobbs of CNBC. Mark's quick reply, "Lou Dobbs is the Mark Haines of CNN." His quick wit, sharp elbows and tough mind will be missed. —Andy BuschCNBC Contributor and Director, Global Currency and Public Policy Strategist at BMO Capital Markets

Mark Haines was the long-time face of “tell it like it is” financial news. He was a tough, but fair interviewer, which produced some CNBC’s most engaging – and entertaining - moments. Most importantly, I always appreciated that he never hid the fact that he was first and foremost interested in the well-being of the retail investor. He was a staple – an institution in and of himself – greatly respected, and he will be missed. — Fred Tomczyk, President and CEO, TD Ameritrade

My favorite memories of Mark will be talking about kids, lacrosse - my sons had played - and music and dance. His son was also a lacrosse player and his daughter a unique talent. My daughter had majored in drama and song at NYU. Please tell his kids their Dad couldn't talk enough about them and with enormous pride and love. — Vince FarrellChief Investment Officer at Soleil Securities Group

I had the pleasure of knowing Mark for over ten years. From my hours spent sitting next to him on the anchor desk on Squawk Box to our recent weekly Farr and Farrell appearances, I found him to be very smart, funny, quirky but above all honest. He championed the interests and concerns of the individual investor and could be vicious if he suspected a disingenuous fraud. Most important, he adored his children Matt and Meredith. He talked about them a lot. To Matt and Meredith: thank you for sharing your wonderful dad with millions of us for so many years. He was a great man who made a real difference and believed that of all of his accomplishments in life, the two of you were his magnum opus and greatest joy. I will miss your dad a lot. — Michael FarrPresident, Farr, Miller & Washington, LLC in Washington, D.C.

I am deeply saddened by the death of Mark Haines. Television and the financial markets have lost a vital presence. Nobody operating at the intersection of those two industries spoke truth to power with more forethought and consideration than Mark. While he clearly harbored strong opinions on politics and markets, his beliefs and ego never intruded into his interactions with his guests. He was truly fair and balanced. He was also gracious and welcoming, and when I first began appearing on his program I felt that he was genuinely listening to what I had to say. R.I.P. — Addison A. Armstrong, Sr. Director, Market Research, Tradition Energy

From his American flag tie to his well-worn boat shoes, he was his own man. He and I talked a couple times off camera about the Mets and their latest travails and he was happy to voice his disgust or glee depending on the news of the day. I marveled at the array of snacks within his reach and his complete comfort in front of the camera. — Michael YoshikamiCEO, Founder and Chairman,YCMNET Advisors.

The team here deeply regrets Mark Haines' passing and wanted to make sure we extended our deepest sympathies to his co-workers, friends and family — LinkedIn

Mark was proud of his old Volvo. I had an even older one, a 1982. (I started in ’98, so it was 16 years old.) When I asked him about his Volvo, he proudly said “it’s a 1989.” I said, “Ah, so you have a new one.” He laughed and said, “Spoken like a true Volvo owner.” At that point, I felt like the king had accepted me. — Bob Sellers, Former CNBC Anchor

I remember the first time I was interviewed by Mark. It was 2002, and Ameritrade had just purchased Datek. It was the biggest news event on that particular day, and I was nervous – about the magnitude of the transaction, which could make or break the company, but also being interviewed by Mark. I remember Mark asked me something about the valuation of the deal – and I went on and on about the strategic reasons why we did it. He was good enough to let me go on for a while, but he stopped me in the middle and just said – “Joe, all I want to know is do you think you paid too much?” I stopped, smiled and said “No, Mark. I don’t think so.” I can remember co-hosting with Mark on Squawk Box a number of times. I learned a lot about producing financial news, but also about Mark’s love of lacrosse, because of his son’s involvement, and sports in general. During virtually every commercial break he would either ask me about coaching football, or talk about lacrosse. Those conversations helped us develop our own unique relationship over the years. I always had the utmost respect for him. Mornings on CNBC will not be the same. — Joe Moglia,Chairman of the Board, TD Ameritrade