November 04

Samuel Carpenter (1649–1714) emigrated from England to William Penn's colony of Pennsylvania, where he became a leading merchant and landowner. He was appointed Deputy Governor in 1694 and played a central role in the colony's administration and development. Carpenter helped design the layout of Philadelphia's streets and invested in local infrastructure projects, including mills and wharves. He was a prominent Quaker and supported religious freedom and peaceful relations with Native American tribes. His business acumen and public service contributed significantly to Pennsylvania's early growth and stability. Carpenter's legacy includes several historic buildings and a tradition of civic leadership in Philadelphia.

Born in England and raised in Canada, Keefer studied engineering in Europe before returning home to tackle major infrastructure projects. He played a key role in designing the Hamilton and Toronto water systems and advised on the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway. Keefer championed modern drainage and sewerage systems, improving public health in growing Canadian cities. Beyond engineering, he co-founded business ventures that supported industrial growth in Ontario. His leadership in both technical and commercial spheres earned him recognition as the 'father of Canadian civil engineering.' Keefer's contributions laid the foundation for Canada's transportation network and urban development.

Born in Pennsylvania, Lutcher entered the lumber industry in the post-Civil War era and quickly rose through the ranks. He co-founded the Lutcher and Moore Lumber Company, which became one of the largest sawmill enterprises in the United States. Under his direction, the company expanded its operations along the Sabine River and invested in timber plantations. Lutcher's wealth enabled him to support civic improvements, including schools and churches in Orange, Texas. His business acumen and philanthropic projects helped transform the regional economy. At his death, he was remembered as a visionary entrepreneur whose legacy shaped the American South's industrial growth.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Ruth Handler co-founded Mattel with her husband in 1945. Inspired by her daughter's toy and a German doll, she designed Barbie and launched it in 1959, revolutionizing the toy industry. Under her leadership as president, Mattel grew into a global toymaker known for imaginative products. Handler championed women's leadership in business at a time when few female executives existed. She battled breast cancer in the 1970s and later founded the cancer support center 'Ruth's Place.' Her innovations in toy design and marketing shaped generations of play and fashion culture. Handler's entrepreneurial spirit continues to influence business and design communities worldwide.

Born in England, Eric Thompson began his motorsport career in amateur races after World War II. He competed in sports car events across Europe, showcasing skill behind the wheel. Thompson later founded a successful automotive parts business, supplying precision components to racing teams. His dual legacy as a competitor and entrepreneur influenced British motorsport culture. He retired from racing in the 1960s and remained a respected figure in the automotive community. Thompson passed away in 2015, remembered for his passion for speed and innovation.

Born Alfred Henry 'Freddy' Heineken in Amsterdam, he joined the family brewery in 1941. He became chairman in 1971 and led aggressive international expansion, making Heineken one of the world’s top beer brands. He oversaw iconic marketing campaigns, sponsorships, and quality control innovations. In 1983, Heineken survived a high-profile kidnapping that captivated headlines worldwide. Beyond brewing, he collected art and supported cultural institutions in the Netherlands. He retired in 1989 but remained a prominent figure in Dutch business circles until his death in 2002. Heineken’s global presence stands as a testament to his strategic vision and leadership.

Eugenio 'Geny' Lopez Jr. (1928–1999) was a pioneering Filipino businessman and longtime chairman of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation. Under his leadership, ABS-CBN expanded from a single radio station into one of Southeast Asia's largest television networks. He championed innovative programming, high production standards, and the use of satellite technology to reach global audiences. During the Marcos regime, Lopez and his family faced exile and saw the network seized, but they returned after the People Power Revolution. Lopez's vision and resilience helped restore ABS-CBN's independence and shape the modern Philippine media landscape. He is remembered as a transformative figure in broadcasting whose legacy endures in Filipino culture.

Nik Powell was an English businessman and film producer, born in 1950. He partnered with Richard Branson to build the Virgin Group into a global brand. After departing Virgin, he founded Palace Pictures, backing acclaimed films like ‘The Crying Game’. Powell’s vision bridged entrepreneurship and the arts, supporting independent cinema. His leadership earned him recognition in both business and film industries. He remained an influential mentor to aspiring filmmakers until his death in 2019.

Born in Havana, Cuba, in 1953, Gutierrez immigrated to the United States with his family in 1960. He rose through the ranks at the Kellogg Company, becoming CEO in 1999 and leading the company’s global expansion. In 2005, he was appointed U.S. Secretary of Commerce, advocating for free trade and technological innovation. He championed agreements across Latin America and Asia and supported small businesses at home. After leaving public office in 2009, he founded and led global consulting firms focused on trade policy. He continues to advise corporations and governments on economic development and entrepreneurship.

Richard Harrington (born 1957) is an English businessman and Conservative politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Watford from 2010 to 2019.\nBefore entering politics, he built a career as a chartered accountant and co-founded the Collinson Group, a global travel services company.\nIn Parliament, he held roles such as Minister of State for Refugees, overseeing humanitarian aid and resettlement programs.\nHe was recognized for his work on migration policy during the European refugee crisis.\nIn 2020, he was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Harrington of Watford.\nHis blend of business acumen and public service has made him a prominent voice in UK politics.

Anne Sweeney (born 1958) is an American media executive who served as president of Disney–ABC Television Group and co-chair of Disney Media Networks.\nShe oversaw ABC Television Network and 23 cable channels, guiding strategic initiatives that expanded the company’s global reach.\nUnder her leadership, ABC Family was relaunched as Freeform, targeting millennial audiences.\nSweeney was named one of the world’s most powerful women by Forbes multiple times.\nAfter leaving Disney in 2014, she joined the board of directors at Netflix and advised other media enterprises.\nHer visionary leadership has shaped modern television and streaming industries.

Born on November 4, 1986, in Bangalore, Suhas Gopinath founded his IT services company, Globals Inc, at the age of 14, providing web and software solutions to international clients. He has been invited to speak at the United Nations and global business forums and received accolades such as the Young Achiever Award. Gopinath’s journey highlights the impact of youthful innovation in technology entrepreneurship, inspiring aspiring founders worldwide.