September 29

Bernard Gimbel (1885–1966) was an American businessman who transformed his family’s Gimbel Brothers retail chain into a national powerhouse. Born into a German-Jewish mercantile family, he graduated from Harvard before joining the family business. As president and later chairman, he led the acquisition of Saks Fifth Avenue in 1923, elevating the company’s prestige. Gimbel introduced innovative merchandising strategies and marketing campaigns that drove growth throughout the early 20th century. During the Great Depression, he implemented employee support programs and promotional events to maintain customer loyalty. His visionary leadership left a lasting impact on American department store operations.

Henry Ford II, nicknamed Hank the Deuce, was born in 1917 in Detroit, Michigan, and was the eldest grandson of Henry Ford. He became president and CEO of Ford Motor Company in 1945, leading its postwar recovery and expansion. Under his leadership, Ford introduced the Thunderbird and Mustang and became the largest automaker in the world. He implemented modern management practices, including division autonomy and professional leadership. Ford II also navigated labor relations, culminating in the historic agreement with the United Auto Workers. He served as chairman until 1980, guiding the company through changing economic landscapes. He passed away in 1987, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

August A. Busch Jr. was born in 1899 in St. Louis, Missouri, and was the heir to the Anheuser-Busch brewing empire. He became president of the company in 1946 and oversaw its growth into a national beer powerhouse. Busch also purchased the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team in 1953, revitalizing the franchise and winning multiple World Series titles. Under his leadership, Anheuser-Busch introduced innovations in marketing, including sponsorship of sports broadcasts. He was known for his strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Busch remained at the helm until his death in 1989, leaving a legacy in both brewing and sports.

Born in 1926, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger became publisher of The New York Times in 1963. Under his leadership, the newspaper expanded its international presence and won multiple Pulitzer Prizes. He guided the paper through landmark events such as the Vietnam War protests and the Watergate scandal. Sulzberger oversaw the modernization of the Times, embracing new printing technologies and digital transition. He was known for his commitment to journalistic integrity and freedom of the press. After stepping down in 1992, he served as chairman emeritus until his death in 2012.