April 04

Linus Yale Jr. (1821–1868) was an American mechanical engineer and inventor born in Salisbury, New York. He perfected the pin tumbler lock design and founded the Yale Lock Manufacturing Company, setting new standards in security. Yale's innovations included the modern cylinder lock, which became widely adopted in residences and businesses. His company grew rapidly, exporting locks internationally and establishing the Yale brand as synonymous with safety. Yale died unexpectedly in 1868, but his inventions continued to evolve and remain foundational in lock technology.

Bill France Jr. was born into the family that founded NASCAR and played a pivotal role in professional motorsports. He took over as president of NASCAR in 1972 after his father, Bill France Sr., and led the organization for 28 years. Under his leadership, NASCAR expanded its national footprint, securing major television contracts and growing its fan base. He oversaw the construction of new tracks, including Daytona International Speedway's infield road course and expansion of Winston Cup Series events. France Jr. introduced innovations such as sponsorship-driven team funding and playoff formats to enhance competition. His tenure saw NASCAR become a mainstream American sport with international exposure. He retired in 2000 and was later inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame for his contributions.

Anthony Bartlett 'Bart' Giamatti was an American scholar of Renaissance literature and university administrator. He served as president of Yale University from 1978 to 1986, emphasizing academic excellence and cultural programs. Giamatti later became the seventh commissioner of Major League Baseball in 1989. His tenure, though brief, was marked by decisive actions, including the lifetime ban of Pete Rose. A respected author and critic, he published works on poetry, classicism, and literary theory. Giamatti's dual career bridged academia and professional sports, reflecting his diverse leadership. He left a lasting impact on both higher education and America's pastime before his untimely death in 1989.

Richard Parsons (born April 4, 1948) is an American lawyer and business executive. He served as chairman of Citigroup from 2009 to 2012, guiding the bank through post-crisis reforms. Parsons was CEO of Time Warner in the early 2000s, overseeing major media divisions including HBO and Warner Bros. His leadership in both finance and media industries has made him a prominent figure in corporate America. He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting arts, education, and business initiatives. Parsons' career is noted for strategic mergers and his advocacy for diversity in corporate leadership.

Born in Edmonton, London, Brady became the youngest managing director in English football when she took charge of Birmingham City F.C. at age 23, leading them to promotion to the Premier League. She later served as vice-chairman of West Ham United and gained national fame as a star of the BBC series The Apprentice. Brady is a prolific columnist for The Sun and The Sunday Telegraph, sharing insights on business and leadership. She has authored several books on career development and champions gender equality in the workplace. In 2014, she was appointed to the House of Lords, where she continues to advocate for entrepreneurship and women's advancement.

Delphine Arnault is the eldest daughter of Bernard Arnault and has risen through the ranks of LVMH since joining in the late 1990s. She held leadership positions at Louis Vuitton and served as chairman of Dior Fashion before becoming CEO of Christian Dior in January 2023. Arnault is credited with driving innovation in design and digital initiatives across the brands she oversees. Under her leadership, Dior has launched successful collaborations and expanded its global footprint. Recognized as one of the most influential women in luxury retail, she continues to shape the future of high-end fashion.