October 09

Born in 1845, Carl Gustav Thulin entered the shipping industry during a period of rapid industrial expansion. He established Carl Thulin & Co., which operated a fleet of cargo and passenger vessels across the North and Baltic Seas. Thulin invested in steamship technology, increasing efficiency and reliability in maritime transport. Under his leadership, the company grew to serve routes extending to the Mediterranean and beyond. His innovations in ship management and trade networks left a lasting impact on Swedish maritime commerce before his death in 1918.

Born in Dixon, Illinois, in 1873, Charles R. Walgreen apprenticed as a pharmacist and opened his own drugstore in 1901. He emphasized customer service, extended store hours, and in-store lunch counters, pioneering a new retail pharmacy model. Walgreen expanded rapidly, opening multiple stores across Chicago and the Midwest. Under his leadership, Walgreens introduced innovations such as one-cent sales promotions and in-store laboratories. By the time of his retirement, the company was one of the largest drugstore chains in the United States. He transformed pharmacy retailing and laid the groundwork for a national brand. Walgreen died in 1939, leaving a legacy of innovation in business and consumer services.

Walter O'Malley was an American lawyer and baseball executive. He is best known for moving the Brooklyn Dodgers franchise to Los Angeles. O'Malley purchased the team in the 1950s and later became team president. He negotiated the construction of Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. His decisions reshaped Major League Baseball’s geographic landscape. O'Malley's tenure faced controversy and praise for modernizing the sport. He left a lasting impact on professional baseball’s business model. O'Malley died in 1979, remembered as one of baseball’s most influential owners.

Brian Lamb revolutionized public broadcasting in 1979 with the launch of C-SPAN, a nonprofit network dedicated to providing unfiltered coverage of government proceedings. He served as CEO and moderator of the network's flagship Q&A show, cultivating a reputation for thoughtful interviews with politicians, authors, and experts. Lamb's commitment to transparency and free access to information earned him respect across the political spectrum. Under his leadership, C-SPAN became an indispensable resource for scholars, journalists, and engaged citizens. His low-profile yet impactful approach helped shape modern political discourse on television.

John Rose is an English businessman who served as chief executive of National Westminster Bank (NatWest) from 1990 to 1998. During his tenure, he steered the bank through a period of significant expansion and oversaw strategic acquisitions. Prior to joining NatWest, Rose held senior positions at Bank of America and the Bank of England. After leaving NatWest, he took on leadership roles in various financial and consulting firms. He has been involved in philanthropy and served on the boards of charitable organisations. Rose's expertise in banking and corporate governance has made him a respected figure in the UK financial sector.

Don Garber is an American sports executive who has served as commissioner of Major League Soccer since 1999. Under his leadership, the league has expanded from 10 to over 25 teams, with new soccer-specific stadiums and youth academies. He negotiated landmark media rights agreements that boosted MLS's visibility on national and international broadcasts. Garber holds both a bachelor's degree and a J.D. from the University of Virginia and began his career as legal counsel. His initiatives have helped MLS become one of the fastest-growing professional sports leagues in North America.

Christopher Östlund is a prominent Swedish publisher who established Plaza Magazine, a leading lifestyle publication focusing on design, fashion, travel, and culture. Under his leadership, Plaza Magazine expanded from a domestic title to an internationally distributed brand with editions in multiple countries. He has been influential in shaping modern European magazine publishing and has launched several successful spin-offs and digital platforms. Östlund is recognized for his entrepreneurial vision and contributions to the magazine industry. He continues to innovate in media and supports emerging creators in the publishing world.

Guto Bebb began his career in business before entering politics as a Conservative MP for Aberconwy from 2010 to 2019. He served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Procurement and played a role in modernizing the UK’s defence acquisition processes. Bebb advocated for Welsh economic development and infrastructure projects in his constituency. He has been recognized for bridging business insights with public service, promoting innovation and local growth. After leaving Parliament, he continues to engage in consultancy and community initiatives in Wales.

Jan Christian Vestre is a Norwegian business leader and politician known for his dual roles in industry and government. As CEO of the family-owned furniture maker Vestre AS, he modernized operations and expanded the company's global reach. In 2021, he was appointed Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry, where he champions sustainable economic policies and innovation. Vestre advocates for environmental responsibility in manufacturing and digital transformation in business. His leadership blends corporate expertise with public service, reflecting a commitment to both economic growth and social welfare. He represents the Labour Party and is considered a rising figure in Norwegian politics, bridging entrepreneurship and policymaking.