April 15

Mary Grant Roberts was born in 1841 and developed a lifelong passion for animals and nature. In 1895, she established the Hobart Zoo in Tasmania, one of the first private zoological gardens in Australia. Roberts focused on showcasing Australian wildlife, including Tasmanian devils and native bird species. She advocated for animal welfare and conservation long before these became widespread concerns. Under her leadership, the zoo became a center for public education and scientific observation. Roberts passed away in 1921, but her pioneering efforts laid the foundation for modern wildlife conservation in Tasmania.

Joseph E. Seagram was born in 1841 and began his career in the Canadian distilling industry. In 1857, he acquired a small distillery in Waterloo, Ontario, which he expanded into Seagram Company Ltd. Under his leadership, Seagram became renowned for high-quality whiskies and brandy across Canada and beyond. Seagram also served in Canadian politics, representing his constituency with a focus on industry and economic development. He invested in horse breeding and agricultural improvements, earning respect as a community leader. Seagram died in 1919, leaving a legacy as a visionary entrepreneur whose company endured for over a century.

Born in 1890, Percy Shaw revolutionized road safety with his invention of the cat’s eye reflector in 1933. Drawing inspiration from a car’s headlight shining on a cat’s eyes, he designed a reflective marker that enhanced lane visibility in poor conditions. Shaw founded Reflecting Roadstuds Ltd and secured patents worldwide. His invention became a standard safety feature on roads around the globe. Knighted for his contributions, he died in 1976, remembered as a pioneering innovator in transportation safety.

Born into the Bloomingdale department store family, Alfred S. Bloomingdale helped launch the Diners Club card in 1950, pioneering the concept of charge cards in the United States. He served on the boards of major corporations and was known for his lavish social gatherings. Married to Betty Lee Newling, he maintained close ties with political and business elites in New York. Bloomingdale's affair with future journalist Diane Sawyer became tabloid fodder in the 1970s. He supported charitable causes in education and the arts, donating to universities and cultural institutions. His innovations and high-profile lifestyle made him a symbol of post-war American affluence until his death from cancer in 1982.

Adrian Cadbury (1929–2015) was an English athlete turned business executive who competed as a rower in the early 1950s before leading the Cadbury chocolate company. Representing Great Britain, he participated in international rowing competitions, showcasing his dedication to teamwork and excellence. After his sporting career, Cadbury joined the family business and eventually became chairman, guiding Cadbury through significant growth and innovation. He authored influential reports on corporate governance that set new standards for board accountability and ethical business practices worldwide. Beyond the corporate world, he supported numerous educational and charitable initiatives, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility. Cadbury's dual achievements in sport and business continue to inspire leaders across sectors.

Robert W. Gore was an American engineer and businessman best known for inventing Gore-Tex, a waterproof, breathable fabric. He discovered expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) while working at W. L. Gore & Associates in 1969, revolutionizing outdoor apparel and medical devices. Gore earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. As chairman and CEO of W. L. Gore & Associates, he led the company to global success. His innovation earned him induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Gore died in 2020, leaving a lasting impact on materials science and the outdoor industry.

Kenneth Lay was born in Missouri in 1942 and earned a Ph.D. in economics before entering the energy industry. As chairman and CEO of Enron, he transformed it into a major energy trading firm during the 1990s. It was later revealed that Enron used complex accounting tricks to hide debt and inflate profits, leading to the company's bankruptcy in 2001. Lay was convicted on charges of fraud and conspiracy in 2006 but died of a heart attack before serving prison time. His legacy remains a cautionary tale of corporate malfeasance and regulatory failure.

Martin Broughton is an English business leader who served as chairman of British Airways from 2004 to 2008, steering the company through a significant turnaround. He began his career at British American Tobacco, where he held senior roles in Europe before moving into aviation. After his tenure at BA, Broughton became chairman of The Football Association and played a key role in English football governance. He also chaired International Consolidated Airlines Group and held board positions at companies such as Air BP and ITV. Known for his strategic vision, he was knighted for services to business and sport. Broughton's leadership across industries illustrates his impact on global commerce and athletics.

Mott Green was an innovative American businessman and social entrepreneur who co-founded the Grenada Chocolate Company in 1999. Born in Millville, New Jersey, he championed a direct-trade model that sourced cacao beans directly from farmers, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable practices. His company became a leading example of ethical chocolate production. Green was also an advocate for community development and environmental stewardship on the island of Grenada. He tragically died in 2013 following an accidental incident in a wind turbine that powered his chocolate factory, leaving a legacy of socially responsible business.