September 18

Born in 1846 on the island of Senja in Northern Norway, Richard With trained as a ship's captain before turning to business and politics. In 1881, he founded Vesteraalens Dampskibsselskab, introducing regular steamship routes along the challenging Arctic coast. With's initiative led to the creation of the famed Hurtigruten coastal express in 1893, improving mail, cargo, and passenger transport. He advocated for maritime safety measures and modern ship design. With also served in municipal and national government, championing regional development. He remained active in the shipping industry until his death in 1930, shaping Norway's maritime heritage.

Lincoln Loy McCandless was an American entrepreneur instrumental in developing Hawaii’s sugar and ranching industries. He entered politics during the territorial period, serving in the Hawaii Territorial Legislature and later as a Delegate to the U.S. Congress, representing the territory's interests at the federal level. McCandless advocated for infrastructure development and agricultural innovation, helping to modernize the islands’ economy. Born in 1859, he built one of Hawaii’s largest plantation operations and earned a reputation as a pragmatic leader. He died in 1940, leaving a legacy of business acumen and public service.

Powel Crosley Jr. (1886–1961) was an American inventor and entrepreneur who founded Crosley Radio Corporation, making radio sets affordable for the masses. He launched WLW in Cincinnati, one of the nation's most powerful radio stations, pioneering network broadcasting. Crosley also ventured into automobile manufacturing with the compact Crosley car, showcasing his forward-thinking design. He held patents in automotive and household appliances, demonstrating diverse engineering talents. His marketing strategies and celebrity endorsements transformed advertising approaches in the U.S. Beyond business, he supported education and civic projects in Cincinnati as a philanthropist. Crosley's legacy lives on in mass media and consumer electronics as a model of innovation.

David Eccles, 1st Viscount Eccles was born in 1904 and had a distinguished career in both business and politics. As a Conservative politician, he served as Minister of Education from 1954 to 1957 under Prime Ministers Churchill and Eden. Before entering government, he built a successful career in the manufacturing and financial sectors. Elevated to the peerage in 1960, he played a key role in post-war educational reforms and corporate governance. He remained active in public life until his death in 1999.

Born in Buenos Aires, Grondona began his career in football administration in the 1950s. He became president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in 1979 and held the position for 35 years. Under his leadership, Argentina won the 1986 and 2004 Copa América and the 1986 World Cup. Grondona also served as a vice-president of FIFA and was a powerful figure in international football politics. His tenure was marked by both successes on the field and controversies off it, including allegations of corruption. He died in 2014, leaving behind a complex legacy in the world of football governance.

Gerry Harvey co-founded Harvey Norman in 1982, building it into one of Australia's largest retailers of electronics and furniture. Under his leadership, the company expanded internationally with stores in Ireland, Malaysia, and Singapore. Harvey became known for his direct, no-nonsense style and media presence in Australian business news. He served as executive chairman and guided the company through major market shifts and economic cycles. Harvey has been a vocal advocate for Australian manufacturing and retail industries. He holds numerous awards for entrepreneurship and continues to influence the country's business landscape.

Şenes Erzik is a prominent Turkish football administrator who has served as president of the Turkish Football Federation since 1989. He has held key positions within UEFA and FIFA, including vice president roles that influenced international football governance. Erzik played a crucial part in organizing major tournaments and promoting the sport's development in Turkey and beyond. His business acumen and commitment to the game have earned him respect among sports officials worldwide. Through his efforts, Turkish football gained greater prominence on the global stage.

John McAfee pioneered commercial antivirus software with the creation of McAfee Associates in 1987, revolutionizing computer security for businesses and consumers. He became a controversial figure in the tech industry, known for his outspoken personality and unconventional lifestyle. McAfee ran for U.S. president in 2016 and 2020 on platforms promoting digital privacy and cryptocurrency. His later years were marked by legal troubles and international intrigue, culminating in his arrest in Spain. He died in 2021, leaving behind a complex legacy as both a visionary software developer and a polarizing public figure.

Giancarlo Minardi established the Minardi Racing Team in 1979, entering Formula One as a passionate underdog with limited resources. His team gained a reputation for nurturing young driving talent and achieving commendable performances against well-funded competitors. Over two decades, Minardi helped launch the careers of future world champions and seasoned drivers in the F1 paddock. Beyond Formula One, he was involved in sports marketing and motorsport management, contributing to racing events across Europe. Known for his charismatic and hands-on leadership style, Minardi remained a beloved figure in the racing community. In 2005, he sold his team, which evolved into the Scuderia Toro Rosso outfit, cementing his legacy in the sport. Minardi’s dedication to motorsport innovation continues to inspire team owners and drivers alike.

Mark Shuttleworth (born September 18, 1973) is a South African-born British entrepreneur and space enthusiast. He founded Thawte in 1995, pioneering secure online certification before selling the company to VeriSign. In 2002, Shuttleworth became the first African to travel to space as a space tourist on the Soyuz TM-34 mission to the International Space Station. He later established Canonical Ltd., the company behind the Ubuntu Linux distribution, promoting open-source software worldwide. Shuttleworth has invested in technology startups and advocates for global internet access and education. His innovative work has had a lasting impact on both cybersecurity and the open-source community.