September 05

Born in 1826 in Brighton, John Wisden began his cricket career as a fast bowler for Sussex. He earned a reputation for accuracy and stamina on the pitch during the 1840s and 1850s. After retiring from first-class cricket, Wisden ventured into sports publishing and equipment manufacturing. In 1864, he published the first edition of Cherished Almanack, later renamed Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, which became cricket's definitive annual. His entrepreneurial vision helped formalize cricket statistics and narratives for generations. Wisden's legacy endures through the Almanack, often called 'the Bible of Cricket'.

Born in 1833 in Brooklyn, New York, George Huntington Hartford entered the grocery trade with partner George Gilman. In 1859, they formed the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, later known as A&P. Hartford's business strategies emphasized volume sales, affordable pricing, and streamlined operations. Under his leadership, A&P expanded into one of the first national retail chains in the United States. His innovations in branding and supply chain management set new standards for modern supermarkets. Hartford remained chairman until his death in 1917, leaving behind a retail empire that endured for decades.

Arthur Charles Nielsen was born in 1897 and began his career analyzing retail markets in the United States. In 1923, he founded ACNielsen, introducing scientific methods to measure consumer behavior. His retail audit techniques provided manufacturers and retailers with accurate sales data. Nielsen later developed broadcasting audience measurement, leading to the famous Nielsen ratings. Under his leadership, ACNielsen expanded globally, influencing advertising and media industries. Nielsen's innovations laid the foundation for modern market research and audience analytics. He passed away in 1980, leaving a company that remains a cornerstone of marketing intelligence.

Born in 1902 in New York City, Darryl F. Zanuck started his career as a writer and actor in silent films. He co-founded 20th Century Pictures, which later merged to become 20th Century Fox. Zanuck produced and directed some of the era's most influential films, including The Grapes of Wrath and All About Eve. As a studio executive, he championed innovation in storytelling and special effects. He earned multiple Academy Awards and was known for his keen eye for talent. Zanuck's vision and leadership helped define Hollywood's Golden Age until his death in 1979.

Renzo Rivolta was an Italian engineer and industrialist born in Milan in 1908. He began his career working on refrigeration and household appliances before founding Iso Rivolta, a company that would later become famous for producing innovative microcars and luxury sports cars. Under his leadership, Iso introduced the iconic Isetta bubble car and the Iso Grifo GT, blending engineering ingenuity with Italian design flair. Rivolta's vision helped shape post-war Italy's automotive industry, and his vehicles became symbols of style and performance. He combined technical expertise with entrepreneurial drive, leaving a lasting impact on the world of motor vehicles. He passed away in 1966.

Bernard Delfont was a Russian-born British talent manager and theatrical producer born in 1909. Emigrating to England as a child, he rose to prominence managing top entertainers and producing West End shows and variety performances. Delfont founded one of the most successful theatrical organizations in the UK, overseeing landmark venues and launching the careers of numerous stars. His keen business acumen and understanding of popular tastes made him a central figure in London's entertainment scene for decades. He was knighted for his services to show business and left a legacy of innovation in live performance and talent management. He died in 1994.

Jack Valenti (1921–2007) was an American film industry executive and longtime president of the Motion Picture Association of America. Appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966 to head the MPAA, he served for 38 years, making him one of Hollywood's most influential figures. In 1968, Valenti introduced the MPAA film rating system (G, PG, R, X), transforming content regulation and marketing in the United States. A former aide to President Johnson, he navigated complex political and industry landscapes to protect film creators' interests. Valenti championed intellectual property rights, testifying before Congress and defending the entertainment industry against piracy. His legacy includes the modern rating system still in use and his role in shaping film policy and free expression debates.

Werner Erhard (born 1935) is an American author and philanthropist. He founded Werner Erhard and Associates in the early 1970s, introducing the est training seminars. In 1977, he co-founded The Hunger Project to empower communities and end global hunger. His work laid the foundation for the modern personal development movement, influencing countless individuals. Erhard's methods have sparked both admiration and debate, underscoring his impact on self-improvement and social change.

Low Thia Khiang is a Singaporean businessman and opposition politician born in 1956. He began his professional life in the private sector before entering politics with the Workers' Party in the late 1980s. Elected to Parliament in 1991 as Member for Hougang, he became a prominent voice for political plurality and workers' rights. Low served as Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party and held his seat through multiple elections, building grassroots support. He balanced his political duties with involvement in business ventures, focusing on social enterprises and community development. Retiring from politics in 2018, he is celebrated for his role in advancing opposition politics in Singapore.