January 17

Born in 1877 in Detroit, Walter Briggs Sr. built the Briggs Manufacturing Company into a leading supplier of automotive parts. In 1935, he acquired a controlling interest in the Detroit Tigers and served as team president, overseeing their 1945 World Series championship. Briggs was known for his hands-on management style and support for players and coaches. He also invested in charitable causes, including hospitals and youth programs in Detroit. His influence shaped both the automotive industry and Major League Baseball until his death on January 17, 1952.

Frank Pullen was born in 1915 in England and served as a soldier during World War II. After his military service, he transitioned into the business world with determination. Pullen founded and managed several companies, leaving his mark on the post-war economy. Known for his leadership skills, he earned respect as both a veteran and an entrepreneur. He contributed to community development through his business initiatives and mentorship. Pullen's dual legacy as a soldier and businessman continues to inspire veterans-turned-entrepreneurs.

Raymond Bonham Carter was born in 1929 into a prominent British family and educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge. He began his career at the Bank of England before joining merchant bank Morgan Grenfell, where he rose to the position of vice chairman and oversaw corporate banking operations. Bonham Carter also served on the boards of cultural institutions and was a trustee of the National Gallery, supporting the arts in the UK. He was the father of actress Helena Bonham Carter and maintained close ties to the performing arts community. He died in 2004 after a distinguished career in finance and public service.

Born in 1960 in Tully, Queensland, Bell joined McDonald's as a restaurant manager in 1987. He became the youngest CEO of McDonald's Australia in 2000 and later served as global Chief Operating Officer. Bell was credited with modernizing menu offerings and expanding the chain's presence worldwide. His leadership style emphasized teamwork and innovation across McDonald's operations. He was widely respected for his business acumen and mentorship within the company. Bell died suddenly of a brain hemorrhage in 2005 at the age of 44.

Alistair McAlpine, Baron McAlpine of West Green (1942–2014), was a key figure in the Conservative Party's fundraising efforts. He served as chairman of the party's National Fundraising Appeal and as a senior adviser to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. McAlpine co-founded the venture capital firm Hambro Magan, advising companies on mergers and acquisitions. As a life peer, he spoke in the House of Lords on financial and ethical matters. He authored memoirs detailing his political career and involvement in public affairs. His blend of business acumen and political strategy influenced British politics in the 1980s and 1990s.

Sunanda Pushkar was a prominent Indian-Canadian businesswoman born in 1962. She held senior marketing positions in the hospitality and media industries. She served as a non-executive director for several corporations and was influential in luxury brand management. In 2010, she married Indian politician Shashi Tharoor, which brought her into the national spotlight. Her unexpected death in 2014 in New Delhi led to extensive media coverage and investigations. She is remembered for her entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to international business relations.