May 27

Born in 1794 on Staten Island, Cornelius Vanderbilt launched his business career running a small ferry service at sixteen. Known for his competitive drive, he expanded into steamships and then into the burgeoning railroad industry. By the mid-19th century he controlled key rail lines in the Northeastern United States, earning the nickname “The Commodore.” Vanderbilt’s aggressive consolidations helped shape the modern American transportation network. A notable philanthropist, he donated $1 million to found Vanderbilt University in Nashville. His strategies and vast wealth symbolized both the opportunities and excesses of the Gilded Age. At his death in 1877, his fortune, estimated at $100 million, ranked among the largest in U.S. history.

Jay Gould rose from humble beginnings to become a dominant figure in the railroad and telegraph industries during the late 19th century. Known for his aggressive business tactics, he consolidated multiple lines and engaged in high-stakes stock manipulations. His control of the Erie Railroad and Western Union made him a controversial yet powerful industrialist. Gould’s wealth enabled him to influence national politics and finance at a time of rapid economic growth. He remains a symbol of the excesses and innovations of the Gilded Age in American history.

John D. Vanderhoof was born in Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1922 and began his career in banking. He rose through the ranks to become president of the Valley National Bank of Denver. Vanderhoof entered politics as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado and took office in 1973. He became the 37th Governor of Colorado in 1973 after the resignation of Governor John Love. As governor, he focused on economic development and transportation infrastructure. After leaving public office in 1975, he returned to the private sector and remained active in civic affairs. He passed away in 2013, remembered for his leadership both in finance and government.

Sumner Redstone was born in Boston in 1923 and inherited his family's cinema business. He took control of National Amusements and expanded it into a media conglomerate including Viacom and CBS. Under his leadership, companies like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Pictures flourished. Redstone was known for his strategic acquisitions and bold corporate maneuvers. He supported numerous educational and cultural charities through the Redstone Foundation. Despite controversies over his estate and health in later years, his influence on the media industry was undeniable. He died in 2020, leaving a lasting legacy in global entertainment.

Edward Samuel Rogers was a pioneering Canadian businessman and media tycoon born in 1933. He transformed his family's radio repair business into Rogers Communications, a leading force in broadcasting, cable television, and telecommunications. Rogers launched the first commercial FM radio station in Canada and aggressively expanded the company's cable network across the country. He introduced innovative marketing and service models that reshaped the Canadian media landscape. Under his leadership, Rogers Communications became a publicly traded company and diversified into publishing and wireless communications. Rogers was widely respected for his vision in integrating media platforms and his contributions to Canada's communications industry. He died in 2008 at the age of 75.

Born into British nobility, Simon Cairns inherited the earldom in 1989 upon the death of his father, becoming the 6th Earl Cairns. He served as an equerry and later a courtier in the Royal Household, supporting members of the monarchy in official duties. In addition to his royal service, Cairns built a career in international business, holding executive roles in finance and commerce. He chaired and sat on the boards of several companies, leveraging his aristocratic connections to foster trade relationships. Known for his diplomatic acumen, he balanced traditional peerage responsibilities with modern corporate governance. Cairns has remained active in charitable organizations and cultural institutions throughout his career.

Sokratis Kokkalis launched his career in the 1970s, building Intracom Group into a leading Greek technology conglomerate specializing in telecommunications and defense electronics. He later founded Intracom Telecom, expanding his reach into global markets and pioneering satellite communications solutions. Kokkalis also invested heavily in real estate and shipping, diversifying his business portfolio. He served as the longtime chairman of Olympiacos FC, under whose leadership the club won multiple football titles. Known for his strategic vision, he navigated Greece's economic challenges and fostered innovation in the private sector. Kokkalis has been recognized with numerous awards for entrepreneurship and civic contributions.

Gerald Ronson started in property development in the 1960s, transforming his family's small business into Heron International, one of the UK's largest real estate firms. Under his guidance, Heron delivered landmark projects in London and around the world, reshaping urban landscapes. Ronson's career weathered high-profile legal challenges in the 1980s, but he was acquitted and rebuilt his reputation. Beyond business, he is a passionate philanthropist, supporting medical research, education, and Holocaust remembrance initiatives. He has chaired numerous nonprofits and raised millions for charitable programs. Ronson's blend of entrepreneurial drive and social commitment has made him a prominent figure in British public life.

Lionel Sosa co-founded one of the first major Hispanic advertising agencies, developing campaigns that resonated with Latino audiences and shaped multicultural marketing strategies. He consulted for Fortune 500 companies seeking to tap into emerging Hispanic markets, earning recognition as a leader in the field. Sosa also served as a senior advisor to Republican presidential campaigns, helping to craft messages tailored to Latino voters. His work influenced both commercial branding and political outreach, bridging cultural divides. In addition to his business achievements, Sosa has been active in community organizations and Latino advocacy groups. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to marketing innovation and civic engagement.

Rosemary Squire is an English theatre producer and manager who co-founded the Ambassador Theatre Group, one of the world's leading theatre organizations. Under her leadership, the group expanded to own and operate numerous venues across the UK. Squire has been instrumental in bringing high-quality productions to a broad audience and revitalizing West End theatre. She has received several industry awards for her contributions to performing arts management. Beyond theatre, she is also involved in arts advocacy and mentoring emerging producers.