July 25

Born in New York City in 1735, Low built a successful mercantile business trading with the West Indies. He was elected to the New York Assembly and later served as a delegate to the Continental Congress. Initially supportive of colonial rights, he became a firm Loyalist following radical moves toward independence. Low's property in New York was confiscated in 1779, and he eventually relocated to England. He continued his commercial pursuits abroad and wrote memoirs defending his political choices. Low's life illustrates the difficult personal and economic divisions of the American Revolution.

Born in 1874, François Coty revolutionized the perfume industry with mass-market fragrances and elegant packaging. In 1904, he launched his first scent, 'La Rose Jacqueminot,' which became a bestseller. Coty’s innovative marketing and distribution strategies expanded his business internationally. He introduced artful bottle designs by famous glassmakers, elevating perfume as a form of luxury. Beyond cosmetics, Coty invested in newspapers and aviation. By his death in 1934, he had established one of the world’s leading fragrance companies. His legacy lives on in the modern beauty industry.

Born in Brooklyn, he revolutionized nightlife by turning a former theater into the hottest club of the 1970s. Studio 54 became famous for its exclusive guest list, wild parties, and celebrity clientele from movie stars to rock royalty. His partnership with Ian Schrager set new standards for club design, music, and VIP culture. Despite a spectacular rise, legal troubles over tax evasion led to a brief imprisonment. He continued to influence the hospitality industry until his death from AIDS-related complications in 1989. His legacy lives on as a symbol of disco-era glamour and excess.

Born in Athens, he and his family established Papastratos in the early 1930s, transforming it into a leading tobacco company in Greece. Under his leadership, the company expanded production, modernized manufacturing techniques, and entered international markets. He pioneered innovations in tobacco processing and marketing that set industry standards. Beyond business, he supported education and cultural initiatives in Greece. His entrepreneurial vision helped build a major industrial enterprise in post-war Europe. He passed away in 1998, leaving a legacy as a pillar of Greek commerce.

Born in Chieti, Italy, in 1952, Sergio Marchionne moved to Canada during his childhood and pursued degrees in philosophy and business. He began his career in corporate law firms and quickly rose through executive ranks. In 2004, he became CEO of Fiat S.p.A. and orchestrated the merger with Chrysler, forming Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Marchionne was credited with revitalizing underperforming brands and implementing bold restructuring plans. He also served as non-executive chairman of Ferrari and oversaw its successful public offering. Known for his pragmatic leadership style and straightforward communication, he was a respected figure in the automotive industry. Marchionne died in July 2018 at the age of 66 due to complications following surgery.