June 12

Philip Livingston (1716–1778) was a prosperous merchant in colonial New York and a leading Patriot during the American Revolution. As a member of the New York Provincial Congress, he represented his state in the Continental Congress and became one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His business success helped finance the revolutionary cause. A vocal advocate for independence, he worked to unify fellow colonists against British rule. He died in office in 1778, honored as one of the Founding Fathers.

Sir William 'Billy' Butlin (1899–1980) was a South African–born British entrepreneur who revolutionized mass tourism with his family holiday camps. In 1936, he opened the first Butlin's camp in Skegness, offering affordable vacations complete with entertainment and amenities. Over the following decades, he expanded the brand to multiple UK sites, pioneering organized leisure for working families. Butlin introduced communal dining halls, live shows, and recreational facilities, setting a new standard in holiday culture. He was knighted in 1964 for his services to tourism and national economy. Butlin's innovative vision helped democratize travel, making holidays accessible to millions. Today, the Butlin's camps remain iconic symbols of British leisure traditions.

Born in 1922, Blass rose from small-town roots to become a leading New York fashion designer. He launched his own label in 1970 and revolutionized American sportswear with sophisticated yet wearable designs. Blass dressed First Ladies, celebrities, and socialites, earning a reputation for elegance and refinement. Under his leadership, Bill Blass Limited expanded into fragrances, home goods, and accessories. His clean lines and impeccable tailoring set a standard for modern American fashion that endures today.

Kenneth Thomson, 2nd Baron Thomson of Fleet, inherited his father's media business in 1976 and transformed Thomson Corporation into a global information powerhouse. Born in Toronto in 1923, he diversified the company into newspapers, book publishing, and financial services. A passionate art collector, he assembled one of the largest private collections in North America and donated significant works to public institutions. Thomson also served as chancellor and benefactor of several universities, funding scholarships and research initiatives. Under his leadership, Thomson Corporation grew into a Fortune 500 company recognized for innovation in information services. His blend of business acumen and cultural philanthropy left an enduring mark on media and the arts in Canada and beyond.

Silvio Berlusconi was an Italian entrepreneur who built a media empire with the founding of Mediaset. Entering politics in the 1990s, he established the Forza Italia party and became Italy's youngest post-war Prime Minister. Over three terms in office, he implemented tax reforms and faced legal challenges and controversies. Berlusconi's charismatic style and media influence reshaped Italian politics for decades. Beyond politics, he owned AC Milan and impacted European football. His polarizing legacy remains a subject of debate across business, media, and governance.

William H. Donaldson built a distinguished career in finance, founding several investment firms. He served as Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from 2003 to 2005, steering reforms after corporate scandals. Donaldson held leadership roles at Aetna, Goldman Sachs, and the New York Stock Exchange. His expertise in securities regulation and corporate governance influenced policy at the highest levels. Recognized for his integrity and insight, he left a lasting impact on American financial markets.

Jerry West was an exceptional guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the team to the NBA Finals nine times. Nicknamed 'Mr. Clutch' for his late-game heroics, he was a 14-time All-Star and 1969 Finals MVP. After retiring as a player, West enjoyed a successful executive career, building championship teams in Los Angeles and Memphis. He served as general manager for the Lakers, Warriors, and Grizzlies, earning a reputation for talent evaluation. His silhouette inspired the NBA logo and his impact on the game remains unmatched among players and executives.