July 20

John Reith began his career in business before joining the newly formed British Broadcasting Company in 1922. As its first Director-General, he articulated the principles of public service broadcasting: to inform, educate, and entertain. Under his leadership, the BBC expanded its network, improved program quality, and avoided commercial pressures. Knighted in 1927 and elevated to the peerage in 1940, Reith influenced media policy in Britain and abroad. His commitment to impartiality and universal access laid the foundations for modern broadcasting standards.

Vehbi Koç was born in 1901 in Ankara and began his career running a small hardware store with his uncle. Over the decades, he built the business into Koç Holding in 1963, encompassing automotive, finance, consumer durables, and energy sectors. He championed industrial modernization in Turkey and established partnerships with global corporations to drive economic growth. Koç was also a dedicated philanthropist, founding the Koç Foundation to support education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives. Through his leadership, he launched universities, hospitals, and museums that transformed public access to learning and the arts. He passed away in 1996, leaving a lasting impact on Turkey's economy and society.

Eugenio Lopez Sr. was born in 1901 in Iloilo City, Philippines, and began his career in the sugar trade before venturing into other industries. In 1953, he established ABS-CBN, introducing television broadcasting to the Philippines and shaping the nation's media landscape. He expanded his family business into shipping, real estate, banking, and mining, creating the López Group of Companies. Lopez advocated for press freedom and played a significant role in the cultural development of postwar Philippines. Under his guidance, ABS-CBN became a platform for entertainment, news, and public service that reached millions of Filipinos. He died in 1975, and his entrepreneurial spirit continues through the businesses and institutions he founded.

Born in Detroit in 1929, Mike Ilitch served in the U.S. Marine Corps before co-founding Little Caesars in 1959. Under his leadership, Little Caesars grew into one of the world's largest pizza chains, famous for its 'Hot-N-Ready' concept. In 1982, Ilitch purchased the Detroit Red Wings, leading the team to four Stanley Cup championships. He also acquired the Detroit Tigers baseball franchise, investing in the city's sports and community revitalization. Ilitch's philanthropic efforts included supporting youth sports, education, and revitalizing downtown Detroit until his death in 2017.

Peter Palumbo, 4th Baron Palumbo, inherited his title and business acumen to build a leading property development firm. He played a key role in regenerating London’s Southbank and Docklands, developing landmark buildings like City Hall. A passionate art collector, he served as chairman of the Arts Council of Great Britain and endowed major exhibitions. Palumbo’s private collection features works by Picasso, Matisse, and Giacometti, loaned to museums worldwide. He championed contemporary architecture, commissioning designs from Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid.

Gisele Bündchen was born on July 20, 1980 in Horizontina, Brazil. She became one of the world’s highest-paid and most recognizable models in the 2000s, gracing runways and magazine covers globally. Bündchen expanded her brand with a lingerie line, fragrances, and a lifestyle collection, showcasing her business acumen. She has also acted in films and promoted causes related to environmental conservation and women’s empowerment. A United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for environmental issues, she supports reforestation and sustainable development projects. Beyond fashion, Bündchen is admired as a philanthropist and influential cultural figure.