August 28

Born in Scotland in 1840, Sim moved to Yokohama as a young pharmacist. He served as Public Vaccination Officer in Kobe, contributing to public health initiatives. In 1870, he founded the Kobe Regatta & Athletic Club to promote Western sports and social exchange. He organized rowing, cricket, and rugby events that became popular among expatriates and Japanese nationals. His efforts helped introduce modern athletic traditions to Japan. He remained in Japan until his death in 1900, leaving a lasting legacy in sports and health.

Jack Dreyfus was an American investment pioneer who co-founded the Dreyfus Corporation in 1951. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the nation’s leading mutual fund families. He served as chairman until 1976 and guided the firm through rapid expansion in the postwar era. Beyond finance, Dreyfus was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting medical research and cultural institutions. His contributions to mutual fund innovation helped democratize investment for everyday Americans. He remained active in charity work until his passing in 2009.

Born in 1928 in Philadelphia, F. William Free built a distinguished career in the advertising industry. He served as president of American Marketing and later founded his own agency, Free & Partner, known for innovative campaigns. Free was instrumental in shaping modern advertising techniques and mentoring young creatives. His work earned industry awards and set benchmarks for brand communication. Beyond business, he was a philanthropist supporting education and the arts. He influenced generations of marketers until his passing in 2003. His legacy endures in advertising history through iconic campaigns and leadership.

Born in 1935, Gilles Rocheleau built a career bridging business and politics in Canada. Beginning as an entrepreneur, he transitioned to public service, serving as mayor of Hull and later as a Member of Parliament. During his tenure, he focused on economic development and regional growth. A vocal advocate for community issues, he played a key role in provincial and federal initiatives. Rocheleau's work left a lasting impact on Quebec's political landscape until his passing in 1998.

Heather Reisman is a Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded Indigo Books & Music in 1997. Starting from a single store in Ontario, she expanded the company into Canada's largest book and gift retailer. Reisman has overseen the development of multiple store concepts, including Chapters and Coles. She is noted for her customer-centric approach to retail and her commitment to community engagement. Reisman was honored with the Order of Canada for her contributions to business and literacy. As a philanthropist, she supports numerous educational and cultural initiatives across the country. She serves on various corporate and charitable boards, influencing Canada's cultural and philanthropic landscapes. Her visionary leadership has left a lasting impact on Canadian retail and literacy promotion.

Wendelin Wiedeking is a German business executive who served as the Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG from 1993 to 2009. Under his leadership, Porsche transformed from a niche sports car manufacturer into a highly profitable global brand. Wiedeking oversaw the development of the Boxster and Cayenne models, expanding the company's market presence. He implemented lean management techniques and cost controls that became benchmarks for the automotive industry. Wiedeking's tenure saw record profits and a remarkable stock performance, culminating in an attempted takeover bid for Volkswagen in 2008. After leaving Porsche, he has served on several corporate boards and advisory panels.

Greg Clark began his career in the private sector, working in telecommunications and consulting. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells in 2005. Clark held several ministerial positions, including Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government from 2016 to 2018. He has focused on localism, housing policy, and infrastructure development. Known for his pragmatic approach, he has engaged with stakeholders across government and industry. Clark continues to advocate for economic growth and community empowerment.

Sheryl Sandberg is an American business executive, author, and philanthropist. As COO of Facebook (now Meta Platforms), she oversaw global operations and helped scale the company to billions of users. Her 2013 book Lean In encouraged women to pursue leadership roles and sparked a worldwide movement. Sandberg co-founded LeanIn.Org and the Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation to support gender equality. A former Google executive, she has been recognized on Forbes' lists of powerful women.