February 09

Born in Tromsø in 1846, With began his career as a ship captain navigating Norway's northern waters. In 1893, he launched Hurtigruten, establishing a regular steamship route along the Norwegian coast to connect remote communities. His pioneering vision improved mail, passenger, and cargo transport, fostering regional development. Hurtigruten became vital for trade and communication in the Arctic Circle. With's legacy endures in the company's continued operation and role in Norwegian maritime history.

Born in 1869, Inoue rose through the ranks of Japan's financial sector and was appointed Governor of the Bank of Japan in 1913 and again in 1919. He implemented key monetary policies to stabilize the yen and supported industrial growth during Japan's rapid modernization. Inoue also served as Minister of Finance, advocating fiscal reforms and government bond issuance. His leadership strengthened Japan's banking institutions and laid foundations for modern fiscal policy. He died in 1932, recognized as a pivotal figure in Japan's economic history.

Born in 1894, Sergey Ilyushin studied at the Zhukovsky Airforce Engineering Academy. He designed and developed the Il-2 Shturmovik ground-attack aircraft, one of the most produced military planes in history. In 1933, he established the Ilyushin Design Bureau in Moscow, which went on to create numerous successful civilian and military aircraft. Under his leadership, Ilyushin designed long-range bombers, transport planes, and passenger airliners that played key roles in World War II and post-war aviation. He was honored as a Hero of Socialist Labor and received multiple awards for his contributions to aerospace engineering. Ilyushin continued to oversee design innovations until his death in 1977, cementing his legacy in aviation history.

Kalevi Keihänen was a Finnish businessman who founded Keihäsmatkat, one of Finland's first and most popular package tour companies in the 1960s. He was known for his flamboyant personality and innovative marketing strategies, including colorful advertising campaigns and charter flights to Mediterranean destinations. Keihänen helped democratize international travel for Finnish families, transforming the holiday industry in Finland. Despite later financial difficulties, his impact on Finnish tourism culture remains significant. He is remembered as a charismatic figure who brought the world closer to Finnish travelers.

Born in 1922 in Canterbury, Freddie Laker began his career as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II. After the war, he turned to commercial aviation and co-founded several airlines. In 1966, he launched Laker Airways, pioneering the concept of no-frills transatlantic flights. His Skytrain service offered significantly lower fares than traditional carriers. Despite initial success, financial difficulties led to the collapse of his airline in 1982. Laker's innovative vision influenced the development of budget airlines worldwide. He died in 2006, remembered as a trailblazer in affordable air travel.

Born in 1920 in Richland Center, Wisconsin, Walter Morrison served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He experimented with flying disc toys after noticing discarded pie tins being tossed by children. In 1955, he developed the Pluto Platter, which later evolved into the Frisbee under Wham-O. Morrison's design featured improved aerodynamics and durability for recreational use. The Frisbee became a cultural icon, inspiring sports like ultimate frisbee and disc golf. Morrison sold his rights in 1967 but continued to refine his designs independently. He passed away in 2010, leaving a lasting impact on leisure activities worldwide.

Liu Han (1965–2015) was the founder of Hanlong Group, which grew into a major conglomerate in mining, energy, and finance. Under his leadership, the company expanded both domestically and internationally, pursuing large-scale resource projects. Liu supported educational and social welfare initiatives in rural regions, reflecting his philanthropic interests. His business success made him one of China's prominent private sector figures before his career ended amidst controversy. Despite later legal challenges, his early achievements reshaped China's mining and investment landscapes. Liu's story highlights the rapid rise of entrepreneurial ventures in modern China and their complex impact on society.

Ed Sabol was an American film producer born in 1916 who began his career as a portrait photographer. In 1960, he co-founded NFL Films with his son, Steve Sabol, introducing innovative techniques such as slow-motion replays and dramatic music scores. His work transformed the way professional football was presented to audiences, blending cinema and sports. Over his career, he produced award-winning documentaries and earned multiple Emmy Awards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport's media coverage. Sabol's cinematic approach set a new standard for sports storytelling and influenced generations of filmmakers. He passed away in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy in sports and entertainment.