English businessman and philanthropist
English businessman and philanthropist
English businessman and philanthropist best known for commissioning the Williamson Tunnels in Liverpool to provide work for the local poor.
Joseph Williamson was born in 1769 and became a successful tobacco merchant in Liverpool. In the early 19th century, he initiated the creation of an extensive network of underground tunnels beneath Edge Hill to offer employment and relief to local laborers during economic hardship. Williamson's philanthropic efforts extended to various charitable causes aimed at improving living conditions in Liverpool. The true purpose behind the tunnels remains a topic of curiosity, but they stand as a testament to Williamson's social vision and generosity. He died in 1840, leaving behind a unique legacy in the history of urban philanthropy and industrial heritage.
1769
Joseph Williamson
Dutch-American businessman, founded Peet's Coffee & Tea
Dutch-American businessman
founded Peet's Coffee & Tea
Alfred Peet was a Dutch-American businessman who founded the renowned coffee chain Peet's Coffee & Tea.
Born in the Netherlands in 1920, Alfred Peet emigrated to the United States in the 1950s and revolutionized the American coffee scene. Frustrated by the lack of quality coffee, he opened his first shop in Berkeley, California in 1966, focusing on sourcing and roasting the finest beans. His emphasis on dark roasting and fresh approach influenced future coffee entrepreneurs, including the founders of Starbucks. Over the decades, Peet's Coffee became synonymous with artisanal coffee, setting a new standard for taste and quality. Peet mentored many in the specialty coffee industry, leaving a lasting impact on modern coffee culture. He retired in the late 1970s but remained a revered figure until his passing in 2007.
1920
Alfred Peet
Peet's Coffee & Tea
Swiss businessman and eighth president of FIFA
Swiss businessman and eighth president of FIFA
Swiss football administrator who served as the eighth president of FIFA from 1998 to 2015.
Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter was born on March 10, 1936, in Visp, Switzerland and became a prominent football administrator.
He joined FIFA's administration in 1975 and was elected president in 1998, serving until 2015.
During his tenure, FIFA expanded its World Cup tournaments and increased the organization's global reach.
Blatter oversaw the addition of new member associations and championed football development programs in emerging nations.
His presidency was also marred by allegations of corruption, leading to his suspension in 2015.
Despite the controversies, his impact on football's globalization remains a significant part of FIFA's modern history.
1936
Sepp Blatter
eighth president of FIFA
Chinese entrepreneur, billionaire, founder of JD.com
Chinese entrepreneur
billionaire
founder of JD.com
Chinese entrepreneur and billionaire founder of JD.com, one of China's largest e-commerce platforms.
Liu Qiangdong is the founder and chairman of JD.com, a leading e-commerce company based in Beijing.
Born in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, he graduated with a sociology degree from Renmin University of China before venturing into retail.
In 1998, he opened his first electronics store, which later evolved into JD.com in 2004, pioneering direct sales online.
Under his leadership, JD.com expanded into logistics, technology, and international markets, becoming a Fortune Global 500 company.
Recognized for his innovative business strategies, Liu has been featured on Forbes' list of billionaires and continues to influence China's digital economy.
He also invests in technology startups and emphasizes data-driven decision making, earning recognition in global business circles.
Liu Qiangdong
JD.com