November 26

Maurice McDonald was an American entrepreneur who, along with his brother Richard, founded the McDonald's restaurant chain in 1940. They pioneered the 'Speedee Service System,' a precursor to modern fast-food assembly lines. Under his guidance, the brothers emphasized quality, consistency, and efficiency in food preparation. Their original San Bernardino, California restaurant became a model for quick-service dining worldwide. In 1954, they licensed Ray Kroc to franchise the concept, leading to exponential growth. Though Kroc ultimately assumed control, Maurice's innovations laid the foundation for one of the world's most recognizable brands.

Charles Forte, later known as Baron Forte, was the visionary founder of the Forte Group, which became one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. Born in Italy and raised in Scotland, he revolutionized the hotel and restaurant industries by offering quality service at affordable prices. Under his leadership, the Forte Group expanded across Europe and beyond, setting new standards for travel and leisure. He was awarded a life peerage for his services to business and tourism. Forte’s innovative approach laid the groundwork for modern hospitality chains and left a lasting imprint on the global tourism landscape.

Verghese Kurien studied mechanical engineering in the UK before returning to India to join the dairy cooperative in Anand, Gujarat. He pioneered the Amul model of cooperative dairy farming, which became the foundation of Operation Flood, the world's largest dairy development program. Under his leadership, India transitioned from a milk-deficient nation to the world's largest milk producer. Kurien founded the National Dairy Development Board and received numerous awards, including the Padma Vibhushan and the World Food Prize. He advocated for cooperative ownership and rural empowerment, impacting millions of small farmers. Known for his vision and humane leadership, Kurien's work continues to benefit India's economy and food security.

John Moore, Baron Moore of Lower Marsh, was an English businessman turned Conservative politician. He served as Secretary of State for Health from 1987 to 1988 under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Before entering politics, Moore held leadership roles in major retail companies and was known for his management expertise. During his tenure in government, he introduced policies aimed at modernizing the National Health Service. After leaving office, he continued to advise on business and public affairs until his death in 2019.

Karan Bilimoria, Baron Bilimoria of Chelsea, is an Indian-British businessman. He founded Cobra Beer in 1989 while a student at Cambridge University. Under his leadership, Cobra Beer grew into a leading international beer brand. He was appointed to the House of Lords in recognition of his services to business. He serves on multiple corporate and academic boards and promotes entrepreneurship and diversity.

Chris Hughes studied at Harvard University, where he met Mark Zuckerberg and co-created Facebook in 2004. He served as the social network's spokesperson and product manager in its early years. After leaving Facebook, he invested in and became publisher of The New Republic magazine. Hughes has advocated for economic equality and co-founded the Economic Security Project. He has supported philanthropic initiatives in education, healthcare, and public policy. In 2020, he campaigned to address high dental care costs in America.