September 10

Born in 1852 in London, Cruft joined his father's harness and dog show business and developed a passion for canine competitions. In 1891, he organized the first Cruft's dog show, setting new standards for judging and exhibition. The annual event attracted breeders and enthusiasts from across the globe and became a hallmark of dog culture. Cruft introduced innovative competition formats and championed breed standards that shaped modern dog shows. His leadership expanded the event throughout Britain and overseas, cementing its international reputation. Today, Crufts remains the premier global dog show, a testament to his enduring vision.

Anita Roddick was born in 1942 in Littlehampton and opened the first Body Shop in Brighton in 1976, combining natural skincare with social activism. She championed cruelty-free products and fair trade sourcing long before they were mainstream. Roddick used her brand as a platform for human rights, environmental campaigns, and community projects. Author of several books, she inspired entrepreneurs globally to adopt ethical business practices. Her legacy endures in the growth of socially responsible commerce.

Ted Stepien was born in 1925 in Cleveland and made his fortune in real estate and public relations before purchasing the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1980. His controversial trades of first-round draft picks led the NBA to adopt the “Stepien Rule,” preventing teams from trading consecutive future picks. A passionate sportsman, he later owned minor league baseball and hockey teams. Stepien’s tenure with the Cavaliers remains a case study in sports management and league governance.

Emilio Botín (1934–2014) was a prominent Spanish banker and chairman of Banco Santander from 1986 until his death. Under his leadership, Santander expanded its presence across Europe, Latin America, and North America through strategic acquisitions and growth initiatives. Botín championed internationalization and modern banking practices, making Santander a global financial powerhouse. He was praised for his vision in integrating new technologies and customer-oriented services. Beyond banking, he supported cultural and educational initiatives in Spain and abroad. Botín’s legacy endures in the international stature of the institution he led for nearly three decades.