September 08

Adam Opel was a German entrepreneur who founded the Opel company in 1862. Originally a maker of sewing machines and bicycles, he transformed his business into a leading automobile manufacturer. Under his leadership, Opel became one of Germany's first large-scale car producers. Opel's innovations in production and business strategy laid the groundwork for the company's long-term success. Today, Opel remains a well-known automotive brand around the world.

Born in County Wicklow in 1904, Maurice Wilks joined the Rover Company as a test engineer in 1930. During World War II, he worked on military vehicle development that inspired his vision for a rugged utility vehicle. In 1948, alongside his brother Spencer, he unveiled the prototype that became the iconic Land Rover at the Amsterdam Motor Show. Wilks later served as Rover's technical director, overseeing innovations in engine design and chassis engineering. His leadership guided the company through growth and export success in the 1950s and early 1960s. He held numerous patents and was respected for his practical ingenuity and collaborative spirit. Wilks died in 1963, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of the global off-road vehicle industry.

Bill Moggridge studied design at Manchester and brought a human-centered approach to technology and product development. In 1991, he co-founded IDEO, transforming the field of industrial and interaction design with multidisciplinary teams. He authored the influential book 'Designing Interactions', documenting the evolution of user-focused design practices. Moggridge taught at institutions like the California College of the Arts and served on various design boards. His work bridged creativity, business strategy, and education, shaping the modern design industry until his death in 2012.

S. Truett Cathy (1921–2014) was an American businessman and philanthropist best known for founding Chick-fil-A in 1967. Starting with a small diner called The Dwarf Grill in Atlanta, he introduced the chicken sandwich that would become the centerpiece of his restaurant chain. Under his leadership, Chick-fil-A grew into a national brand celebrated for its customer service and closed-on-Sunday policy. Cathy's Christian faith guided both his business practices and his charitable efforts. He established scholarship programs and donated generously to educational and religious organizations. By the time of his death, Chick-fil-A had become one of the busiest fast-food chains in America, reflecting Cathy's belief in quality over quantity.

Pierre Bergé was a French businessman born in 1930 who co-founded the luxury fashion label Yves Saint Laurent. As the company's president, he guided it to global success and established a reputation for avant-garde design. Beyond fashion, Bergé was an avid art collector and patron, supporting museums and cultural institutions worldwide. He played a key role in preserving cultural heritage through philanthropic efforts, including the restoration of historic sites. Bergé's leadership and vision left a lasting impact on the fashion industry and the arts until his death in 2017.