April 01

James Fisk rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most controversial financiers of the Gilded Age. He partnered with Jay Gould to control the Erie Railroad and pioneered aggressive market tactics. In 1869 he attempted to corner the gold market, triggering the Black Friday panic. Fisk was notorious for his flamboyant lifestyle, high-stakes speculation, and legal battles. His career ended when he was shot and killed by a disgruntled business associate in 1872, leaving a legacy of both economic innovation and excess.

Gérard Mestrallet is a French business executive born in 1949. He graduated from École Polytechnique and École Nationale d'Administration, preparing for a career in the public and private sectors. Mestrallet joined the French government administration before moving to the energy industry. He played a key role in the merger of Gaz de France and Suez in 2008, creating one of the world's largest utility companies. As CEO of the newly formed GDF Suez, he focused on expanding global operations and investing in renewable energy. Under his leadership, the company increased its presence in markets across Europe, North America, and Asia. Mestrallet has served on several corporate and academic boards, sharing his expertise in energy policy and corporate governance. He has been honored for his contributions to the industry and is considered a leading voice in global energy matters.