November 15

William Averell Harriman (1891–1986) was born into the prominent Harriman family and became a key figure in 20th-century American politics and business. After working in the family railroad business, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union in 1943 and to Britain in 1946. President Harry S. Truman appointed him Secretary of Commerce in 1947, where he championed post-war economic policies. Harriman was also the U.S. representative to the Marshall Plan negotiations and later Ambassador to NATO. In 1955, he ran for president before serving as Governor of New York from 1955 to 1959. Known for his diplomacy during the Cold War, he remained active in public affairs, supporting arms control and human rights. His varied career merged business acumen with public service, leaving a lasting imprint on American history.

Leonard Lord began his career at Morris Motors before rising to lead Austin Motor Company. He orchestrated the merger that formed the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in 1952. As managing director, he oversaw the production of iconic models like the Mini. Lord was known for his strict management style and focus on cost efficiency. Under his leadership, BMC became the world’s largest car manufacturer by volume. He retired in 1965, leaving a lasting impact on the British automotive industry.

Carlo Alberto Della Casa Abarth was born on November 15, 1908, in Vienna to Italian parents. After serving as a test rider and racer, he turned his attention to automotive engineering. In 1949, he founded Abarth & C. in Bologna, specializing in performance tuning and racing cars. Under his leadership, Abarth gained a reputation for producing lightweight, high-powered vehicles that excelled on the racetrack. His innovations in exhaust systems, cylinder heads, and aerodynamics influenced sports car design for decades. Abarth remains a celebrated marque under Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, symbolizing racing heritage and engineering excellence.

Samuel Klein emigrated from Poland to Brazil after World War II and established a small furniture store that grew into Casas Bahia, one of Latin America’s largest retail chains. Klein pioneered consumer credit models targeting Brazil’s emerging middle class, transforming access to home appliances and electronics. His business acumen created thousands of jobs and fueled economic development across the country. Beyond commerce, he was known for charitable contributions to education and healthcare initiatives. Klein’s rags-to-riches story became emblematic of immigrant success in Brazil. His legacy endures through the continued dominance of Casas Bahia and numerous philanthropic foundations supporting underprivileged communities.

Roberto Cavalli (born 1940) is an influential Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur known for pioneering techniques such as printing on leather and employing animal prints in high fashion. He founded the Roberto Cavalli fashion house, which gained global recognition for its bold use of color, texture, and sensual appeal. Across decades, Cavalli expanded his empire to include accessories, fragrances, and homeware. His designs have been worn by celebrities on red carpets worldwide, solidifying his status as a trendsetter. Cavalli’s blend of craftsmanship and theatricality has left an enduring mark on contemporary fashion. He continues to influence the industry through new collaborations and mentorship of emerging designers.

Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat is a Malaysian couture shoe designer born in Penang. He studied at Cordwainers Technical College in London and co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd in 1996 with Tamara Mellon. His iconic stilettos became a favorite of celebrities and royalty around the world. Choo’s elegant designs blend traditional craftsmanship with modern glamour. In 2002, he was honored with an OBE for his contributions to the fashion industry. Today, the Jimmy Choo brand spans accessories, ready-to-wear lines, and fragrances.

Gu Kailai rose to prominence as a lawyer in Chongqing, China, co-founding a real estate investment firm with a focus on property development. She married Bo Xilai, a rising political figure, and managed business interests alongside her legal practice. In 2012, Gu was convicted of murdering British businessman Neil Heywood, a case that attracted international attention. She was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, which was later commuted to life imprisonment. Her conviction became emblematic of a high-profile political scandal in China.

Dawn Airey began her career as a producer at ITN before rising through the ranks at Channel 4, where she held senior programming roles. In 2003, she became the first female CEO of Channel 5, overseeing its transformation and launch of successful shows. Airey later served as CEO of Getty Images and held executive positions at Yahoo Europe and Verizon Media. Known for her strategic vision, she has influenced digital media development and content innovation. A respected figure in the broadcasting industry, Airey often speaks on leadership and media trends at international conferences.

Peter Phillips is an English businessman and the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II. Educated at Gordonstoun, the same school attended by his mother Princess Anne, he entered the business world with a focus on sports management. Phillips co-founded sports marketing firms and has overseen partnerships for major athletic events, including Olympic and rugby union championships. His entrepreneurial ventures reflect a blend of royal legacy and corporate acumen. Peter has also represented the monarchy at public engagements, balancing his professional career with his duties as a member of the extended royal family.