August 17

Matthew Boulton (1728–1809) was a visionary English industrialist and engineer whose partnership with James Watt revolutionized steam power. At his Soho Manufactory in Birmingham, he developed and manufactured high-quality steam engines that powered factories, mines, and mills across Britain. Boulton championed precision manufacturing and was a founding member of the Lunar Society, collaborating with leading scientists and inventors. He also modernized coinage for the Royal Mint, improving minting technology. His commitment to innovation and enterprise helped lay the foundations of modern industry and manufacturing standards.

Luigi Chinetti (1901–1994) was an Italian-American racing driver and businessman renowned for his endurance racing achievements. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times, driving for Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. After World War II, Chinetti emigrated to the United States and founded the North American Racing Team (NART). Through NART, he promoted European sports cars and played a key role in Ferrari’s presence in America. Beyond racing, he built a thriving import and dealership network, establishing himself as a pioneer in the automotive industry. Chinetti’s dual legacy as a champion driver and automotive entrepreneur endures in motorsport history.

Jack Walker (1929–2000) was a self-made English industrialist who founded a successful steel company. He gained national prominence by purchasing Blackburn Rovers Football Club in 1991, investing heavily to transform it into a Premier League contender. Under his ownership, Rovers won the 1994–95 Premier League title, a historic achievement for the club. Walker was respected for his philanthropy and support of local community projects in Lancashire. His business acumen and passion for football left a lasting impact on both the industry and sports world. Blackburn Rovers' stadium, Ewood Park, features a stand named in his honor.

Franco Sensi (1926-2008) was a prominent Italian businessman who built his fortune in the oil sector as chairman of the Sensi group. In 1993, he became president of the A.S. Roma football club, guiding the team to its last Serie A title in 2001. Under his leadership, the club invested in stadium renovations and high-profile player acquisitions, enhancing Roma's competitiveness. Sensi was admired for his passion for the sport and strategic vision off the pitch. His dual role in business and football made him a respected figure in Italian culture.

Patrick Ricard (1945-2012) was a French businessman who led the transformation of Ricard into Pernod Ricard, one of the world's largest wine and spirits companies. Serving as CEO from 1978 to 2008, he oversaw strategic acquisitions across Europe, North America, and Asia, including the landmark merger with rival Pernod. Under his leadership, the company expanded its product portfolio and entered emerging markets, driving sustained growth. Ricard was also recognized for his philanthropic efforts and support of cultural and environmental initiatives. His legacy endures in the global prominence of Pernod Ricard today.

Born in Württemberg in 1933, Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder began his career in the clothing industry before turning to sports administration. He became president of VfB Stuttgart in 1975, guiding the club to Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal victories. From 2001 to 2006, he served as vice president of the Deutscher Fußball-Bund, shaping policies that strengthened German football at all levels. In addition to his sports roles, he held political office as Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Finance and Economics, blending business acumen with public service. A charismatic leader, Mayer-Vorfelder published memoirs recounting his decades-long influence on German sport and politics.

Born Senor Abravanel in Rio de Janeiro in 1930, Silvio Santos began his career as a street vendor before entering radio. He launched his first TV program in the late 1960s, captivating audiences with his affable style and entrepreneurial spirit. In 1981 he founded Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão (SBT), which became one of Brazil's leading television networks. His variety shows and game programs became cultural phenomena, spawning catchphrases still remembered today. As a businessman, he expanded into real estate, retail, and finance, building a vast corporate empire. Santos remained an on-screen presence well into his 90s, earning him the title of Brazil's most enduring TV icon. He passed away in 2024, leaving behind a media legacy unmatched in Latin America.