1864day.year

James F. Hinkle

(1864 - 1951)

American banker and politician, 6th Governor of New Mexico

American banker and politician 6th Governor of New Mexico
American banker-turned-politician who served as the sixth Governor of New Mexico and championed state development.
James Francis Hinkle was born in Mossy Creek, Tennessee in 1864 and moved west to seek opportunity in New Mexico. He co-founded several banks and became a leading figure in the territory’s financial community. Elected governor in 1922, Hinkle focused on infrastructure projects, water management, and educational reforms that supported rural communities. He also served in the territorial legislature and as mayor of Roswell, where he promoted civic modernization. After leaving the governor’s office in 1925, Hinkle continued to influence business and politics through various leadership roles. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for New Mexico’s transition to statehood and economic growth. Hinkle passed away in 1951, leaving a legacy of public service and entrepreneurial spirit.
1864 James F. Hinkle Governor of New Mexico
1877day.year

Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt

(1877 - 1915)

American businessman

American businessman
American heir to the Vanderbilt fortune and prominent sportsman who managed family enterprises and enjoyed racing and yachting.
Born into the wealthy Vanderbilt family in 1877. Served as president of the New York Central Railroad and managed family shipping businesses. A passionate sportsman, he was a devoted yachtsman, horse racing enthusiast, and automobile aficionado. Under his leadership, the family's corporate interests expanded and thrived. Lost his life at age 37 when the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German submarine in 1915. Remembered for his dynamic leadership and adventurous spirit.
1877 Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt
1931day.year

Ken Morrison

(1931 - 2017)

English businessman

English businessman
Longtime chairman of Wm Morrison Supermarkets who expanded the company into one of the UK's largest grocery chains.
Ken Morrison joined his family's food wholesale business after World War II and transformed it into Wm Morrison Supermarkets, one of Britain's leading supermarket groups. As chairman from 1956 to 2008, he oversaw aggressive expansion, innovative supply chain practices, and the introduction of private-label brands. Under his leadership, the company grew from a northern market trader into a national retailer with hundreds of stores and thousands of employees. He championed community initiatives and supported local producers, earning respect throughout the industry. Morrison received a knighthood in recognition of his contributions to British commerce. Even after retiring, he remained an influential figure until his death in 2017.
Ken Morrison
1951day.year

Leif Pagrotsky

Swedish businessman and politician

Swedish businessman and politician
Swedish politician and economist who served as Minister for Industry and Finance.
Born October 20, 1951, Leif Pagrotsky is a Swedish economist and Social Democratic politician. He held the post of Minister for Commerce and Industry from 2002 to 2006 and Minister for Finance from 2004 to 2006. Prior to his political career, Pagrotsky worked in the banking sector and earned a degree in economics from Stockholm University. After leaving government office, he served on the boards of major corporations and advised on economic policy. His leadership influenced Sweden's trade negotiations and fiscal reforms in the early 21st century.
Leif Pagrotsky
1953day.year

Richard McWilliam

(1953 - 2013)

American businessman and philanthropist, co-founded the Upper Deck Company

American businessman and philanthropist co-founded the Upper Deck Company
American businessman and philanthropist, co-founder and CEO of The Upper Deck Company.
Born October 20, 1953, Richard McWilliam was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. He co-founded The Upper Deck Company in 1988, revolutionizing the sports trading card industry with high-quality prints and holograms. Under his leadership, Upper Deck secured major licenses for MLB, NBA, and other leagues. McWilliam was also known for his charitable contributions to youth sports and education programs. He later sold his stake in the company and dedicated himself to philanthropy until his passing in 2013.
Richard McWilliam Upper Deck Company
1965day.year

Jonathan I. Schwartz

American businessman

American businessman
American business executive and former president and CEO of Sun Microsystems.
Schwartz graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Public Policy and Management. He joined Sun Microsystems in 1996 and held several leadership roles, including Head of Internet Software. In 2006, he was appointed president and CEO, steering the company through the transition to cloud computing and open-source strategies. Schwartz oversaw key initiatives such as the release of Java under the GNU General Public License. After Oracle acquired Sun in 2010, he became a partner at Silver Lake Partners, focusing on technology investments.
Jonathan I. Schwartz
1970day.year

Neil Heywood

(1970 - 2011)

English-Chinese businessman

English-Chinese businessman
Neil Heywood was an English businessman in China whose death in 2011 became central to a major political scandal.
Heywood worked as a consultant and fixer for foreign investors and Chinese political elites. He developed close ties with the family of Chongqing party chief Bo Xilai, facilitating business deals. In November 2011, Heywood died under suspicious circumstances in Chongqing. His death triggered a high-profile investigation that exposed corruption and led to Bo Xilai's downfall. Heywood's case highlighted the complexities of business and politics in modern China.
Neil Heywood