April 29

Born in 1863 in San Francisco, Hearst inherited his father's newspaper and transformed it into the San Francisco Examiner. He expanded his media empire across the United States, developing the Hearst Corporation into one of the largest newspaper chains of the 20th century. Known for his flamboyant personal life and innovative approaches to journalism, he popularized sensational headlines and investigative reporting. Hearst served in the U.S. House of Representatives and actively engaged in political campaigns, though his political ambitions met with mixed success. He commissioned the construction of Hearst Castle in California, showcasing his lavish tastes and collecting rare art and antiques. His legacy endures in modern media practices, influencing journalism, publishing, and the development of mass communication.

Born into the prominent Whitney family in 1872, Harry Payne Whitney graduated from Yale and became a respected lawyer. He managed the family’s diversified business interests in finance, insurance, and real estate, solidifying the Whitney legacy in American industry. An avid sportsman, he achieved prominence as a thoroughbred horse breeder, winning numerous prestigious races and breeding champions. Whitney was a noted philanthropist, donating to educational institutions, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and medical research initiatives. He served as president of the United States Polo Association and helped popularize polo in the United States. His leadership and patronage left a lasting impact on American business, culture, and sports.

Born in Manitoba, Maurice Strong founded Petro-Canada and built a career in the energy sector. He served as Secretary-General of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Strong became the inaugural executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme. He played a key role in organizing the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. His work laid the groundwork for modern sustainable development and environmental governance.

Jacob Rothschild was born in London in 1936 into the prominent Rothschild banking family. He served as chairman of RIT Capital Partners and guided the firm through decades of investment success. Rothschild was a major patron of the arts, supporting institutions like the National Gallery and the Tate Gallery. He held honorary positions at universities and was recognized for his philanthropic contributions to education and culture. Throughout his life, he upheld his family's legacy of financial innovation and civic engagement. His death in 2024 marked the end of an era for one of Britain's most influential financial dynasties.

Steven Bach was born in 1938 and pursued a career that spanned writing, corporate leadership, and teaching. He held executive roles in business and wrote extensively on management practices and creative industries. His publications offered analyses of corporate structures and leadership challenges. As an educator, he taught business ethics and communication at various institutions. Bach's blend of practical experience and scholarly insight made him a respected voice in both the boardroom and the classroom. He passed away in 2009, remembered for his multifaceted contributions to literature, business, and education.

Bernie Madoff was born in New York in 1938 and founded Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities in 1960. He built a reputation on Wall Street before admitting in 2008 that his firm was a massive Ponzi scheme. Over decades, he defrauded thousands of investors of an estimated $65 billion in paper losses. Madoff's arrest led to widespread financial fallout and reforms in regulatory oversight. He was sentenced to 150 years in prison in 2009 and died while incarcerated in 2021. His scheme remains a cautionary tale of fraud and the importance of due diligence.