October 25

James Maybrick was born in Liverpool in 1838 and built a successful career in the cotton trade. In 1889, he died under mysterious circumstances after consuming arsenic, leading to the sensational 'Aigburth Poisoning' trial in which his wife was accused. The case captivated Victorian society and raised questions about forensic science and domestic intrigue. Maybrick's death remains a subject of historical debate and speculation. His story shed light on the complexities of 19th-century crime and justice.

John Francis Dodge was an American industrialist who, with his brother Horace, founded the Dodge Brothers Company in Detroit. He began his career as a machinist and supplied parts to early automobile manufacturers. In 1914, the Dodge brothers launched their own line of vehicles, quickly earning a reputation for durability and performance. Under his leadership, the company became one of the largest automakers in the world by 1920. His innovative production techniques and business acumen helped shape the American automotive industry.

Beate Uhse-Rotermund broke barriers as Germany’s first female aerobatic pilot before World War II. After the war, she shifted her focus to business, launching a mail-order service for lingerie and sexual health products. In 1962, she opened the world’s first sex shop in Flensburg, advocating for open discussions about sexuality. Uhse’s company grew into a global brand, publishing educational magazines and producing films. She became a symbol of sexual liberation and entrepreneurship, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Franklin Loufrani is a French entrepreneur credited with trademarking the Smiley emoticon in the 1970s. As President of the Smiley Company, he expanded the brand into a global licensing business across fashion, toys, and digital media. His innovative approach transformed a simple yellow face into a worldwide symbol of happiness. Loufrani has overseen partnerships with major retailers and social impact initiatives promoting positivity. Under his leadership, the Smiley brand has generated billions in licensing revenue and become an iconic pop culture phenomenon.

Born in 1944 in Guizhou province, Ren Zhengfei is the founder of Huawei, which he established in 1987 in Shenzhen. Under his leadership, Huawei grew from a local distributor to a global telecommunications giant. Known for his strategic vision and hands-on management style, he steered the company through rapid innovation in networking equipment and smartphones. Ren's tenure has been marked by both remarkable growth and international controversy, including trade restrictions and security allegations. Despite challenges, he remains a central figure in the tech industry and a symbol of China's rise in global technology. He is also known for his modest lifestyle and emphasis on employee ownership.

Ed Powers is an American film producer, director, and actor born in 1954, best known for founding Ed Powers Productions, a pioneering company in the independent adult film industry. He launched his production company in the early 1990s, focusing on amateur-style adult films that became influential in the genre. Powers is known for emphasizing natural performances and candid interviews with performers. Over his career, he has directed and produced dozens of films and also appeared on-camera in many projects. He has influenced a generation of independent adult content producers. Powers expanded his brand through live shows and DVD releases, adapting to changes in distribution technology. He remains a recognized figure in the adult entertainment industry and has been featured in documentaries about the genre's evolution.

Gale Anne Hurd is an American film and television producer born in Houston, Texas, in 1955. She gained early acclaim producing James Cameron's 'The Terminator' (1984) and its sequel 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day,' cementing her reputation in science fiction. Hurd continued her success with films like 'Aliens,' 'The Abyss,' and 'Armageddon,' blending commercial appeal with innovative special effects. She also produced the hit AMC television series 'The Walking Dead,' one of cable's most-watched programs. Hurd has received multiple industry honors, including the Producers Guild of America's David O. Selznick Achievement Award. She founded No Frills Film, a production company that supports diverse and female-led projects. Hurd is active in film organizations and advocates for greater representation of women in the industry. Her career spans over four decades, marked by a string of culturally significant titles.

Kjell Inge Røkke made his initial fortune as a deep-sea fisherman before diversifying into offshore drilling, shipping, and resource production through Aker ASA. Under his leadership, Aker transformed into one of Norway's leading industrial conglomerates. Røkke is known for his $300 million donation to fund the construction of a marine research vessel, demonstrating his commitment to environmental science. He has also supported community projects in his home region of Møre og Romsdal. Recognized for his entrepreneurial drive and philanthropic vision, Røkke continues to influence Norway's business landscape and global maritime industries.