November 07

Born in Connecticut, Kelley relocated to Ohio in 1810 and quickly became active in state politics, serving in the legislature and as Canal Commissioner. He championed the construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal, securing funding and supervising its route from Cleveland to Portsmouth. Recognizing the railroad’s potential, he invested in and directed early lines such as the Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad. Kelley’s leadership transformed Ohio into a major transportation hub, promoting commerce and migration. He also held interests in banking and land development, expanding his influence beyond politics. Despite facing financial challenges, his strategic foresight and political acumen left a lasting impact on American infrastructure.

Born in Buerton, Cheshire, Brassey entered the railway industry after early work on canal projects. He partnered with engineer Joseph Locke to build major lines such as the Grand Junction Railway in England. Over his career, his companies constructed more than 30,000 miles of railway around the world, from India and Australia to North America and Europe. His business model prioritized efficient management, skilled labor, and cost control, influencing future large-scale engineering projects. Brassey also invested in ironworks, shipbuilding, and other industrial ventures, expanding his business empire. Known for his philanthropy, he funded schools and housing for workers in communities where he operated. He died in Paris in 1870, leaving a transportation legacy that shaped modern rail travel.

William Plankinton was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, into a family already prominent in the meatpacking trade. He expanded the Plankinton Packing Company into a regional powerhouse and diversified his interests into banking with the founding of Security National Bank. Plankinton invested in railroads and urban development projects, contributing to Milwaukee's economic growth. A philanthropist, he supported local institutions such as the YMCA and funded public works. His business acumen left a lasting imprint on Midwestern industry and finance.

Born near Krefeld, Germany, Chris von der Ahe emigrated to the United States and opened a saloon and beer garden in St. Louis. In 1882, he purchased the St. Louis Brown Stockings, renaming them the Browns, and introduced innovations such as serving beer during games and scheduling Sunday matches. Under his leadership, the Browns became a dominant team in the American Association. Von der Ahe's flair for promotion drew large crowds, but financial mismanagement eventually led to bankruptcy. He died in relative obscurity in 1913.

Born in Kyoto in 1927, Hiroshi Yamauchi became the third president of Nintendo in 1949. Under his leadership, Nintendo shifted focus from traditional playing cards to electronic entertainment, leading to the creation of the Game & Watch series and the iconic NES console. He later oversaw the launch of the Game Boy, cementing Nintendo’s role in the video game industry. Known for his bold vision and strategic risk-taking, Yamauchi expanded Nintendo into a household name worldwide. He retired in 2002 but remained its largest shareholder until his death in 2013.

Born in Madrid in 1929, Jesús de Polanco began his career with Ediciones Atlas before co-founding Grupo PRISA in 1972. Under his leadership, PRISA expanded to include El País, leading radio networks, and educational publishers, becoming a powerhouse in the Spanish-speaking media world. De Polanco championed editorial independence and navigated Spain’s transition to democracy. He also invested heavily in Latin American markets, extending PRISA’s influence globally. His visionary approach shaped modern journalism until his death in 2007.

Tom Peters is a renowned American management consultant and thought leader in business strategy. He co-authored the bestselling book 'In Search of Excellence,' which revolutionized management practices in the 1980s. Peters has consulted for major corporations worldwide and delivered keynote speeches on leadership, innovation, and organizational excellence. He has authored numerous books and articles that have influenced modern business thinking. Peters emphasizes the importance of people, passion, and agility in successful organizations. His engaging style and practical insights have made him a sought-after speaker and advisor in the business community.

Stephen Green, Baron Green of Hurstpierpoint (born 1948) is a British banker and politician. He spent over thirty years at HSBC, rising to become group chairman from 2003 to 2006. Under his leadership, the bank expanded its global reach and focused on emerging markets. In 2011, he was appointed Minister of State for Trade and Investment, representing the UK in international business affairs. Created a life peer in the House of Lords, he advocated for free trade and financial regulation. After leaving public office, Green has served in advisory roles and philanthropic initiatives linked to economic development.

Jonathan Palmer (born 1956) is a former English racing driver and motorsport entrepreneur. He competed in Formula One from 1983 to 1989, achieving several top-ten finishes. After retiring, Palmer founded MotorSport Vision, which operates racing circuits and driver academies. His company has managed iconic tracks and organized major racing series in the UK. Palmer also established successful automotive engineering ventures and driver training programs. He is recognized for his contributions to motorsport both on and off the track.