June 24

Éleuthère Irénée du Pont was born in 1771 near Paris and trained as a chemist under some of the era's leading experts. Fleeing the French Revolution, he immigrated to the United States and established a gunpowder mill along the Brandywine Creek in Delaware. His new company, DuPont, became famous for producing high-quality explosives and later diversified into chemicals and materials. Du Pont's expertise in manufacturing and commitment to innovation set new standards for American industry. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the world's largest chemical corporations. His contributions had lasting impacts on both military technology and industrial processes. Today, DuPont remains a global leader in science and engineering, reflecting his pioneering spirit.

Gustavus Franklin Swift founded Swift & Company and pioneered refrigerated meat transport in the United States. His innovations ended the need to ship live cattle long distances, reducing costs and spoilage. Swift developed the first practical ice-cooled railcar, transforming food distribution. Under his leadership, his company grew into one of the world's largest meatpackers. He also modernized processing plants with assembly-line techniques and sanitary practices. Swift's business methods set new standards for industrial efficiency and consumer markets.

Little is publicly documented about Carl Diem beyond his career as a businessman in Germany. He was born in 1882 and died in 1962, living through both World Wars. Records suggest he engaged in commercial ventures, but specifics remain scarce. His role in Germany’s industrial growth of the early 20th century is noted but not widely detailed. Further information on his personal life and business achievements is limited in historical archives. Diem’s impact remains a subject for deeper research in German economic history.

Roy Oliver Disney was born in 1893 and served as the co-founder and financial pillar of The Walt Disney Company alongside his younger brother Walt. He managed the studio’s finances, securing funding for early animated features and theme park developments. Roy played a crucial role in the creation of Disneyland, overseeing its financing, construction, and operational planning. Known for his steady leadership and business acumen, he helped steer the company through the Great Depression and World War II. After Walt’s death in 1966, Roy served as chairman, ensuring the studio’s legacy and expansion into television and new theme parks. He retired in 1971 and passed away the same year, remembered as the supportive brother whose strategic vision made Disney a global entertainment giant.

Yong Nyuk Lin was a prominent Singaporean businessman turned politician instrumental in developing the country's education system. Born in 1918, he built a successful career in the private sector before entering public service. In 1965, he was appointed Minister for Education, overseeing key reforms that expanded access to schooling and vocational training. Under his leadership, new educational institutions were established and curricula modernized to meet national development goals. He championed bilingual education and technical training to prepare Singapore's workforce for industrialization. After retiring from politics, he continued to advise on educational and business matters until his death in 2012.

Donald Gordon built a vast corporate empire as the founder of Liberty Life, one of South Africa's largest insurance companies. He expanded his businesses across Europe, shaping the financial services industry. Gordon was equally renowned for his philanthropy, donating hundreds of millions of dollars to universities, hospitals, and the arts. His gifts established scholarships, research centers, and medical facilities, benefiting thousands of students and patients. He served on numerous corporate and charitable boards, advocating for social welfare and education. Gordon's legacy lives on through the ongoing impact of his generous endowments until his passing in 2019.

William Bernard Ziff Jr. took over the family publishing business, Ziff Davis Inc., and transformed it into a powerhouse of technology and enthusiast magazines, including PC Magazine and Car and Driver. Under his leadership, the company expanded into new markets and embraced the emerging computing industry. Ziff was known for his strategic vision, investing early in computer journalism and gaming publications. He partnered with his daughter and son-in-law to revitalize the business before selling the company in a landmark deal. Beyond publishing, Ziff was a passionate art collector and philanthropist. His influence on magazine media shaped how technology news and reviews were delivered worldwide until his death in 2006.

Jan Kulczyk built Kulczyk Holding into a major investment firm with interests in energy, infrastructure, and real estate across Central Europe. He played a key role in Poland's post-communist economic transformation through high-profile deals and strategic partnerships. Kulczyk served on the boards of multinational corporations and advised governments on economic and trade policy. Known for his bold investment strategies, he was consistently ranked as the wealthiest person in Poland by Forbes. Beyond business, Kulczyk supported various philanthropic initiatives in education and healthcare. He died unexpectedly in 2015, leaving a lasting impact on the region's business landscape.

Gautam Adani is the chairman and founder of the Adani Group, a multinational conglomerate with interests in ports, energy, logistics, and agribusiness. Born in Ahmedabad, he started his career trading commodities before launching his own company. Under his leadership, the Adani Group has become a major player in infrastructure and renewable energy. Adani's strategic investments have made him one of the world's richest individuals. He is known for his ambitious expansion into global markets and his vision for sustainable development.