Otis "Mason" Hawkins is a noted value investor. In 1975 he founded Southeastern Asset Management, which as of year-end 2006 managed $39.8 billion on behalf of both institutional and retail investors. One of his flagship funds, the Small Cap Fund, is closed to new investors.

Hawkins received a B.A. in Finance from the University of Florida in 1970 and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of Georgia in 1971. Hawkins was Director of Research at First Tennessee Investment Management (1974–1975) and Director of Research at Atlantic National Bank (1972–1973). In 1975 Hawkins was one of three partners who founded Southeastern. In the early 80's two of the four partners left to start their own firm.

Southeastern Asset Management has twice complained about the true value of technology companies that it has invested in before these went through purchases, Sun in 2008 and Dell in 2013.