April 10

William Crichton was born in Edinburgh in 1827 and trained as a mechanical engineer. He moved to Turku, Finland, in the 1850s and quickly established himself as an innovative shipbuilder. Crichton founded the engineering works that would become W:m Crichton & C:o, serving both the Russian and wider Baltic markets. His shipyard produced icebreakers, freighters, and naval vessels, contributing to regional maritime development. Crichton’s leadership and technical expertise earned him respect as both an engineer and a businessman. He retired in 1885 and passed away in Turku in 1889, remembered for transforming Finnish shipbuilding.

Harley Earl joined General Motors in 1927 and established the company's first styling department. He introduced landmark designs such as the LaSalle and popularized tailfin styling that became an automotive icon in the 1950s. Earl also oversaw the creation of the revolutionary Buick Y-Job, widely considered the first concept car. Under his leadership, GM styling became a major competitive advantage, influencing car design globally. He served as Vice President of Design until his retirement in 1958, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

Born in 1933 in western Turkey, Sabancı joined his family’s cotton trading business and transformed it into a diversified empire. Under his leadership, Sabancı Holding expanded into banking, energy, manufacturing, and retail, becoming a pillar of the Turkish economy. He championed corporate social responsibility, founding organizations for education, culture, and healthcare across the country. A passionate supporter of the arts, he established major museums, scholarship programs, and cultural centers. Sabancı received international honors, including honorary degrees, for his contributions to business and society. Renowned for his strategic vision, he guided Turkey through economic reforms and global integration in the late 20th century. His philanthropic foundations continue to foster innovation, education, and social welfare nationwide.