September 02

Born in 1631, Robert Vyner established himself as a prominent goldsmith-banker in London. He provided financial support to the monarchy during the Restoration, earning favor with Charles II. In 1674, he was elected Lord Mayor of London, overseeing the city's governance during a time of rebuilding. Created the 1st Baronet in recognition of his services, Vyner held significant sway in both commerce and politics. His leadership helped stabilize London's finances after the Great Plague and the Great Fire. Vyner's legacy continued through his descendants' involvement in British banking and public service.

William Wilkerson (1890–1962) was an American publisher who revolutionized entertainment journalism by founding The Hollywood Reporter in 1930. He previously worked at Variety, where he honed his skills in trade reporting. Wilkerson introduced the first daily bulletin on California’s film industry, earning the nickname ‘The Daily Variety’. He organized Hollywood’s first Oscar after-party, setting industry event standards. His pioneering vision helped shape modern entertainment media and public relations.

Fred G. Meyer was an American entrepreneur and retail innovator. He established the Fred Meyer chain of supermarkets and department stores in Portland, Oregon. Meyer's concept of one-stop shopping revolutionized the retail industry. Under his leadership, Fred Meyer stores expanded throughout the Pacific Northwest. He introduced early self-service and diverse product offerings under one roof. His business model influenced the development of modern superstores. His legacy continues through the continued growth of the Fred Meyer brand.

Robert Holmes à Court was a pioneering businessman who became Australia's first billionaire through aggressive corporate takeovers. Born in South Africa in 1937, he moved to Australia and trained as a lawyer before founding his investment firm. In the 1980s he led the acquisition of the Bell Group, property trusts, and media assets. Holmes à Court was known for his bold leadership and innovative financial strategies, reshaping the Australian corporate landscape. He also had interests in agriculture, wine, and yachting, reflecting his diverse business portfolio. His sudden death in 1990 ended a remarkable career that left a lasting impact on corporate Australia.

Rudolf Bing was a German-born American opera administrator who served as general manager of the Metropolitan Opera from 1950 to 1972. Born in Rustschuk, Bulgaria, he studied music and law in Europe before fleeing Nazi Germany in the 1930s. After moving to the United States, Bing transformed the Met’s programming, championing new productions and expanding its reach. He introduced audience-friendly initiatives like subscription series and outdoor broadcasts. Bing’s leadership helped modernize opera and broaden its appeal, leaving a lasting legacy on the performing arts world.

Jerry Heller (1940–2016) was a pioneering music manager and record executive. He co-founded Ruthless Records and guided artists such as N.W.A, Eazy-E, and Ice Cube to mainstream success. Heller negotiated groundbreaking record deals that helped bring hip-hop into popular culture. Before entering the music industry he worked in artist management for various rock and pop acts. His memoir, 'Ruthless,' detailed the early days of gangsta rap and his role in the industry. Despite controversy over business practices, his impact on rap music’s growth is widely acknowledged.