June 26

Born in 1889, Léo Dandurand was an American-Canadian entrepreneur who made his mark in sports business. He co-owned the Montreal Canadiens from 1921 to 1935, leading the team to multiple Stanley Cup victories. A shrewd promoter, he also organized high-profile boxing matches, boosting the sport's popularity in North America. His innovative marketing strategies helped shape modern professional sports management. Dandurand's influence is remembered through his lasting contributions to hockey and boxing industries.

Born in 1935, Hacı Sabancı was a leading figure in the Sabancı family conglomerate, one of Turkey's largest business empires. He oversaw key sectors including textiles and finance, driving innovation and growth. A devoted philanthropist, he established scholarships and supported cultural institutions across Turkey. Sabancı's charitable efforts focused on education and healthcare, impacting thousands of lives. He passed away in 1998, leaving a lasting legacy of business acumen and social responsibility.

Denis Thatcher was born in 1915 in London and served as an officer in the Royal Sussex Regiment during World War II, earning the Military Cross. After the war, he joined and later led the family-owned Atlas Preservatives company. He married Margaret Roberts in 1951 and remained a devoted and discreet partner throughout her political career. Known for his dry wit and private nature, he became the first husband of a sitting British prime minister. Thatcher was made a baronet in 1990 and passed away in 2003, remembered as a steadfast pillar behind an iconic leader.

Born in 1929, Yash Johar established Dharma Productions in 1976, a company that would become a Bollywood powerhouse. He produced critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, blending traditional storytelling with modern themes. Under his leadership, Dharma became known for its high production values and star-studded casts. Johar played a key role in promoting Indian cinema both domestically and internationally. His legacy continued through his son, director-producer Karan Johar, who expanded the family's cinematic dynasty. Yash Johar's vision helped redefine mainstream Hindi film production until his death in 2004.

Born in 1929 in Brussels, Liz Claiborne co-founded Liz Claiborne Inc. in 1976, revolutionizing women's fashion. Her vision for affordable, stylish professional attire empowered working women worldwide. Under her leadership, Liz Claiborne became the first company led by a woman to enter the Fortune 500. She championed practical design without sacrificing elegance, setting new industry standards. Claiborne's brand expanded into accessories, fragrances, and home goods, achieving global reach. Her influence on fashion and business continued until her death in 2007.

Marc Rich rose from humble beginnings in post-war Belgium to become one of the world's most influential commodity traders. In 1974, he co-founded Marc Rich & Co, which later evolved into Glencore, a powerhouse in global metal and energy markets. Despite building a vast fortune, Rich's career was marred by legal controversy when he became the first publicly listed individual indicted for tax evasion and illegal oil deals with Iran. His 2001 presidential pardon by Bill Clinton sparked intense political debate. Rich was renowned for his shrewd negotiation skills, vast network of international contacts, and his philanthropic efforts in supporting Jewish causes.

Rollin King teamed up with Herb Kelleher in 1967 to revolutionize air travel by founding Southwest Airlines with a bold idea: low-cost, point-to-point flights. A former pilot and seasoned business professor, King brought practical aviation insights to the fledgling company. Under his leadership and innovative management strategies, Southwest grew from a small Texas carrier into one of the world's most profitable airlines. King's emphasis on employee morale and operational efficiency became a hallmark of the airline's culture. Beyond aviation, he lectured extensively on entrepreneurship, inspiring future generations of business leaders.