June 02

Charles Stewart Mott was a key figure in American industry and philanthropy, best known as an early partner in General Motors. A successful businessman, he served as chairman of the Auto Specialties Manufacturing Company before helping to build GM into a global automotive leader. Mott also dedicated himself to public service, serving multiple terms as mayor of Flint, Michigan, where he championed urban development and social programs. A generous philanthropist, he established the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, supporting education, community development, and the arts. His commitment to civic improvement transformed Flint and influenced philanthropic practices nationwide. Mott's legacy continues through the foundation he founded, which remains active in funding positive change.

Tex Schramm was the founding president and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, serving from 1960 to 1989. He introduced innovations such as instant replay, the NFL scouting combine, and the concept of Monday Night Football. Under his leadership, the Cowboys became known as 'America’s Team' and reached five Super Bowls. Schramm was instrumental in television deals that expanded the NFL’s popularity nationwide. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and left a lasting influence on the modern game.

Sir Sigmund Sternberg was a Hungarian-born British businessman who built a successful career in property development before dedicating himself to philanthropy. He was a leading figure in fostering Jewish-Christian interfaith dialogue and funded cultural and educational initiatives through the Sternberg Centre. Sternberg received honors from both the British Crown and the Vatican for his work in promoting understanding between faiths. His philanthropic efforts extended to Holocaust remembrance, human rights advocacy, and support for Jewish heritage institutions worldwide.

Ünal Aysal (born June 2, 1941) is a Turkish businessman and sports executive. He built his fortune in the energy sector, founding successful oil and gas ventures. In 2011, Aysal was elected president of Galatasaray Sports Club, one of Turkey's most celebrated football teams. Under his leadership, the club secured multiple Süper Lig titles and made significant infrastructure and financial improvements. His tenure is credited with professionalizing the club’s management and expanding its global brand. Aysal stepped down in 2014 but remains influential in Turkish business and sports circles.

Bonnie Newman (born 1945) is an American businesswoman and political advisor with a career spanning academia, government, and the private sector. She has held leadership roles including interim president of the University of New Hampshire and executive positions in major corporations. Newman served as a senior advisor to President George H. W. Bush and consulted on economic development initiatives. Her expertise in management and policy has made her a respected figure in both business and government circles. She continues to influence higher education and public policy through board memberships and advisory roles.

Gary Bettman (born June 2, 1952) became the first Commissioner of the National Hockey League in 1993. Under his leadership, the NHL expanded into several new U.S. and Canadian markets. Bettman has overseen substantial revenue growth as well as collective bargaining agreements to stabilize the league. His tenure has included navigating lockouts and modernizing the NHL's media and marketing strategies. Before joining the NHL, he worked in the NBA's legal department and in the U.S. Department of Justice. Bettman's decisions continue to shape the business and global reach of professional hockey.

Nandan Nilekani is an Indian entrepreneur and bureaucrat born in 1955. He co-founded Infosys in 1981 and helped build it into a global IT services leader. Nilekani served as Infosys CEO from 2002 to 2007 and then as non-executive chairman. In 2009, he resigned to head the Unique Identification Authority of India, overseeing the Aadhaar biometric ID system. He returned to Infosys as Chairman in 2017, guiding its strategic growth. Nilekani has authored books on technology and entrepreneurship and is active in philanthropy. He holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Management.