September 26

Jack Bickell was born in 1884 in Barrie, Ontario, and co-founded Hollinger Mines, which became one of Canada’s largest gold producers. He served as president and CEO, expanding operations internationally. Bickell also invested in oil, real estate, and media enterprises. During World War II, he financed medical services and donated a field hospital to the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. He was a major benefactor of educational and cultural institutions, including the Art Gallery of Ontario. His philanthropic legacy includes scholarships and healthcare facilities. Bickell died in 1951, remembered for his entrepreneurial vision and generosity.

Bill France Sr. began his career as a mechanic and driver at the Daytona Beach Road Course. He founded the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) in 1948. Under his leadership, NASCAR grew into one of America's premier motorsports organizations. He helped establish iconic events like the Daytona 500 and built the Daytona International Speedway. France advocated for safety standards, rules consistency, and commercial growth of the sport. His vision turned stock car racing into a national phenomenon.

Eric Morley was an English entrepreneur and television host best known for creating the Miss World beauty pageant in 1951. Starting his career in advertising and event promotion, he helped popularize televised entertainment in post-war Britain. Under his leadership, Miss World grew into an international cultural phenomenon attracting contestants and audiences worldwide. Morley also produced other television programs and pageants, maintaining a flair for showmanship. He remained involved with Miss World until his death, establishing one of the longest running global live events in history.

Born in Switzerland in 1924, Jean Hoerni earned his PhD in physics before moving to the United States. He joined Fairchild Semiconductor as part of the 'traitorous eight' and invented the planar process, a key breakthrough in microchip fabrication. His planar method allowed integrated circuits to be manufactured reliably at scale and became the foundation of the modern semiconductor industry. In 1959, he co-founded Amelco (later Intersil), driving early commercial development of silicon devices. Hoerni later founded several other technology ventures and held numerous patents in semiconductor engineering. His innovations earned him recognition as one of the pioneers of Silicon Valley. He passed away in 1997, leaving a lasting impact on electronics and computing.

Born in 1937 in New York City, Jerry Weintraub began his career booking Judy Garland and Elvis Presley live shows. He founded Weintraub Entertainment Group and transitioned into film production in the 1970s. His credits include Nashville, Diner, and the blockbuster Karate Kid franchise. Weintraub served as chairman of United Artists and MGM/UA Television, shaping the entertainment industry. Renowned for his deal-making skills and big personality, he mentored many young producers. He earned an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his work, cementing his reputation as a Hollywood power broker.

Jeanie Buss (born September 26, 1961) is an American sports executive and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. She began working for the Lakers as a teenager, learning all aspects of team operations. In 2013, Buss became the first female controlling owner in NBA history. Under her leadership, the Lakers secured their 17th championship in 2020. She is recognized for her business acumen and commitment to community initiatives.

Petro Poroshenko is a Ukrainian politician and businessman often referred to as the 'Chocolate King' for founding the confectionery company Roshen. After building a successful business empire, he entered politics, serving in various ministerial posts and as Foreign Minister. In 2014, Poroshenko was elected President of Ukraine following the Euromaidan revolution. His tenure focused on anti-corruption reforms, strengthening ties with the European Union, and defending Ukrainian sovereignty during the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbass. A pro-European leader, he pushed for NATO cooperation and closer integration with Western institutions. Despite economic challenges, Poroshenko remains a key figure in Ukraine’s modern political landscape.