January 26

Eddie Barclay was a seminal figure in the French music industry, founding Barclay Records in 1953. He championed French chanson and helped launch the careers of artists like Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour, and Dalida. Known for his bold business strategies, Barclay expanded into publishing and film production, shaping post-war popular culture in France. His label became synonymous with quality recordings and innovative talent management. He remained an influential music executive until his death in 2005, leaving a legacy of musical excellence.

Akio Morita co-founded Sony Corporation in 1946 and transformed it into a global electronics powerhouse. Born in Nagoya, he led Sony's innovation in consumer electronics, introducing products like the TR-63 transistor radio and the Walkman. Morita's visionary leadership established Sony as a symbol of quality and creativity worldwide. He authored 'Made in Japan,' sharing his business philosophies and commitment to research and development. Morita received numerous awards for his contributions to industry and passed away in 1999, leaving an enduring legacy in technology and business.

Paul Newman achieved fame with iconic film roles in The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He directed the racing drama Winning in 1969, drawing on his passion for auto racing to craft authentic race scenes. As a professional driver, Newman competed at the highest levels and co-founded Newman/Haas Racing. In 1982, he launched Newman's Own, donating all after-tax profits to charity; the brand has since given over $500 million to philanthropic causes. A two-time Academy Award winner and Kennedy Center Honoree, Newman's enduring legacy blends artistic excellence, sporting achievement, and generous humanitarianism.

Joseph Bacon Fraser Jr. was an American architect and businessman best known for co-founding the Sea Pines Company in the 1950s. He played a pivotal role in developing Hilton Head Island as a premier coastal resort community, emphasizing environmental planning and master design. Under his leadership, Sea Pines introduced groundbreaking approaches to low-density, nature-integrated development that influenced resort planning worldwide. Fraser balanced architectural vision with business acumen, guiding large-scale projects while preserving local ecosystems. His lifelong commitment to thoughtful design left a lasting legacy in American resort architecture.

José Azcona del Hoyo was a Honduran businessman turned politician who served as the country's president from 1986 to 1990. Prior to his presidency, he built a career in the construction industry and led major firms, bringing a private-sector perspective to government. His administration focused on economic modernization, infrastructure development, and strengthening democratic institutions in post-military Honduran politics. Azcona also played active roles in regional affairs and navigated challenges related to debt and social welfare. After leaving office, he remained engaged in public life through business ventures and civic initiatives.

Roger Landry (1934–2020) was a prominent Canadian businessman and publisher. Born in Canada in 1934, he began his career in the media industry early on. Over several decades, Landry held leadership roles at major publishing firms, steering operations and guiding editorial vision. He was known for championing journalistic integrity and fostering talent among young journalists. Under his guidance, his companies expanded their audience reach across Canada. Landry's strategic insights helped transition print publications through changing media landscapes. Beyond his corporate achievements, he supported industry organizations and mentored future media leaders. His legacy endures in the standards he set for Canadian publishing.

Jack Warner was born on January 26, 1943, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He began his career in business before entering politics as a member of the United National Congress. He served as Minister of National Security from 1991 to 1995, overseeing law enforcement and public safety initiatives. In addition to his political roles, Warner was a long-time sports administrator, serving as vice president of FIFA from 1996 to 2011. His tenure in football governance was marked by both modernization efforts and allegations of corruption. Despite controversies, he played a pivotal role in promoting football development across the Caribbean region. After leaving international sports administration, he continued to influence local politics and community projects. His complex legacy includes significant contributions to sports and public service as well as ongoing debates about governance and accountability.

Sir Adam Crozier is a Scottish businessman renowned for transforming prominent UK institutions. He became the youngest CEO of a FTSE 100 company when he took the helm at The Football Association. Crozier later led Camelot Group as CEO, overseeing the National Lottery’s operations and growth. He went on to serve as CEO of ITV, guiding the broadcaster through significant digital expansion. Most recently, he was appointed CEO of Royal Mail, tasked with modernizing postal services. Crozier's strategic vision and leadership have left a lasting impact on British business.

Thomas Östros is a Swedish economist who served in the Social Democratic government. He was Minister for Education from 1998 to 2004, implementing reforms in schools and universities. From 2004 to 2006, he served as Minister for Enterprise and Energy, overseeing industrial policy. Östros later became a key figure in European economic affairs, holding roles in international finance institutions. He has also been active in the private sector, advising on economic strategy and innovation. Known for his pragmatic approach, he has influenced both public policy and business development in Sweden. Östros remains a respected voice on economic and political matters in Scandinavia.

Anatoly Komm revolutionized Russian gastronomy by incorporating molecular cooking techniques and avant-garde presentations into his menus. He opened Restaurant A in Moscow, which became the first Russian establishment to earn a Michelin star. Komm has authored cookbooks, appeared on culinary television programs, and consulted on restaurant projects worldwide. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to develop a chain of acclaimed dining venues that blend local ingredients with global culinary trends. Through his visionary approach, he has significantly influenced the evolution of fine dining in Russia and beyond.

Col Needham launched the Internet Movie Database as a personal project in 1990 to catalog film information. Under his leadership, IMDb grew rapidly into the most comprehensive source for movie, TV, and celebrity data, attracting millions of users worldwide. In 1998, Amazon acquired IMDb, and Needham became its general manager, guiding its expansion into new digital services and mobile platforms. His innovation and commitment to reliable data have made IMDb an indispensable resource for film enthusiasts, professionals, and researchers.