October 23

Johnny Kitagawa founded Johnny & Associates in 1962, creating the modern Japanese idol system. He discovered and promoted boy bands such as SMAP, Arashi, and Hey! Say! JUMP, which became cultural phenomena. Kitagawa's talent agency shaped pop music, television variety shows, and fan culture nationwide. He maintained strict training regimes and image control, setting standards replicated across Asia. Although controversial, his influence on J-pop and entertainment marketing is undeniable. Kitagawa remained active in artist management until his death in 2019, leaving a lasting entertainment empire.

Anita Roddick opened the first Body Shop in Brighton in 1976, offering natural, cruelty-free cosmetics. She pioneered environmentally conscious business practices and fair trade sourcing. Roddick used her platform to campaign on issues ranging from human rights to environmental conservation. Under her leadership, The Body Shop grew into a global brand synonymous with social activism. She authored books on business and ethics, inspiring a generation of social entrepreneurs. Roddick's innovative approach reshaped the beauty industry and solidified her legacy as a trailblazer.

Hermann Hauser was born on October 23, 1948, in Graz, Austria. He studied physics and earned a doctorate before moving to Cambridge, England. In 1978, he co-founded Acorn Computers, a company central to the development of the BBC Micro and early personal computing in the UK. Later, Hauser helped establish the Olivetti Research Laboratory and became an active investor in technology startups, including ARM Holdings. His vision and leadership have had a lasting impact on the microprocessor and computing industries. Hauser has received numerous honors for his contributions to technology and entrepreneurship.

Gerry Robinson was born on October 23, 1948, in Tralee, Ireland, and forged a career as a corporate turnaround specialist. He held leadership roles at companies such as Grand Metropolitan and later served as CEO of the RAC and Granada Group. Robinson gained public recognition through television programs that documented his efforts to revitalize struggling businesses. He was also a patron of the arts and supported numerous cultural institutions in the UK. His engaging on-screen presence made him a familiar figure to audiences beyond the boardroom. Robinson passed away in 2021, leaving a legacy of business expertise and public service.

Eddy Cue was born in 1964 in Miami and joined Apple as one of its earliest employees in 1989. He has overseen the development of iTunes, the App Store, Apple Music, and iCloud services. Cue played a key role in transforming Apple into a leader in digital content distribution and cloud computing. Under his leadership, the App Store grew into a multi-billion dollar marketplace for developers and users. Known for his collaborative approach, Cue continues to drive innovation in Apple's software and services.