August 25

Arthur Joseph Rooney Sr. (1901-1988) was an American businessman and sports executive who founded the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933. Under his leadership, the team became one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. Rooney was known for his hands-on management style and commitment to community involvement. He served as team president for over five decades and was a beloved figure in Pittsburgh. Rooney’s dedication to the sport and his contributions to football earned him enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Beyond football, he was active in local charities and civic initiatives.

Üzeyir Garih was a prominent Turkish engineer and entrepreneur best known for co-founding Alarko Holding in 1954. Under his leadership, Alarko grew into a major force in construction, energy, tourism, and real estate. Garih was also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting educational and cultural initiatives across Turkey. He authored books on business management and frequently spoke at international conferences. His assassination in 2001 shocked the nation and cemented his legacy as a visionary industrialist.

Ken Tyrrell began his motorsport career as a successful Formula Junior and Formula Two driver in the 1950s. In 1968, he established Tyrrell Racing and entered Formula One with Jackie Stewart, winning three Drivers’ Championships. His team also claimed three Constructors’ Championships and became a respected name in the sport. Known for his mechanical insight and supportive leadership, Tyrrell nurtured the careers of many top drivers. He retired in 1998, leaving a lasting mark on Formula One through innovation and determination.

Roberto González Barrera founded a small corn-processing company in Tamaulipas, Mexico, which later became Gruma. Under his leadership, Gruma grew into the world's largest producer of tortillas and corn flour. He diversified his holdings into banking and finance, becoming one of Mexico's most influential businessmen. Known as 'El Maseca,' he innovated mass production techniques that revolutionized the food industry. An active philanthropist, he supported education and community development projects in Mexico. He died in 2012, leaving a lasting impact on global food manufacturing and corporate leadership.

António Borges served as first deputy governor of the Bank of Portugal before joining Goldman Sachs as a managing director. He led the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development from 1997 to 2003, supporting post-Cold War economic transitions. In 2011, he headed Portugal's financial reform committee during a sovereign debt crisis, implementing critical austerity measures. Borges was respected for his expertise in international banking and economic policy across Europe. He held academic positions and published research on monetary systems and fiscal stability. He died in 2013, remembered for guiding Portugal and Europe through challenging financial landscapes.

Ferdinand Piëch was an Austrian engineer and industrial leader, grandson of automotive pioneer Ferdinand Porsche. He began his career at Porsche before moving to Volkswagen in the 1970s, where he rose through the ranks by championing technical innovation. As chairman of the Volkswagen Group, Piëch orchestrated the acquisition of brands such as Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Bentley, and Lamborghini, turning VW into one of the world’s largest automakers. He was known for his demanding management style, technical expertise, and vision for performance and quality. Under his leadership, Volkswagen launched groundbreaking vehicles like the VW Golf and the Bugatti Veyron. Piëch’s influence reshaped the automotive industry and set new standards for engineering excellence. He died in 2019 at the age of 82, remembered as one of the most influential figures in modern car manufacturing.