November 27

Born in 1843 into the wealthy Vanderbilt family, he trained in finance and management from a young age. He served as vice-president and director of the New York Central Railroad, expanding its network and operations. Vanderbilt commissioned the lavish Fifth Avenue mansion that became a New York landmark. An avid art collector and philanthropist, he supported the Metropolitan Opera and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His leadership solidified the family's industrial legacy during America's Gilded Age. He died in 1899, leaving an enduring mark on transportation and culture.

Konosuke Matsushita was a visionary Japanese entrepreneur born in 1894. Starting from humble beginnings as a factory worker, he founded Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., now known as Panasonic, in 1918. Matsushita’s innovative management philosophies, focusing on employee welfare and consumer trust, fueled the company’s global expansion. He introduced affordable household appliances that revolutionized daily life in postwar Japan. A prolific writer on business ethics and leadership, Matsushita established foundations supporting education and public welfare. His legacy endures through Panasonic’s continued prominence and his contributions to modern management practices. He passed away in 1989.

Born in 1898, Fredric Warburg entered the publishing industry after World War I and partnered to form Secker & Warburg. Under his leadership, the firm became famous for publishing seminal works by authors such as George Orwell, including 'Animal Farm' and '1984'. Warburg was a passionate advocate for freedom of expression and took bold editorial stands against censorship. He also authored books on the craft of publishing and literary criticism, sharing his insights with aspiring writers. His influence helped shape the modern British literary landscape until his death in 1981.

Born in 1920 in Oklahoma, Cal Worthington took over his family's dealership before expanding into California and beyond. He became famous for his 'My Dog Spot' commercials, which featured exotic animals and his playful style. At his peak, Worthington owned over 100 dealerships across several states. His marketing flair and relatable personality made him a household name in the auto industry. He authored an autobiography and remained active in business well into his 80s. He died in 2013, leaving behind a vast legacy in automotive retail.

Born in 1943 in Wesselburen, Germany, Jil Sander established her fashion label in 1968 at the age of 25. She rose to prominence in the 1970s and 80s with her clean lines, neutral palettes, and precise tailoring. Sander's approach to minimalist design earned her the nickname the 'Queen of Less'. Her success led to partnerships with major luxury groups, including a period under Prada and later under the change of ownership by Change Capital and others. Throughout her career, she maintained creative control as head designer before departing and returning to the brand multiple times. Her work influenced the rise of minimalism in fashion and inspired generations of designers. Sander's brand expanded to include menswear, accessories, and fragrances, solidifying its global presence. She received numerous awards, including the German Federal Cross of Merit. Today, Jil Sander continues to be revered for her elegant, understated designs.

Born in 1945 in Saipan, Benigno Fitial co-founded a local construction company before entering politics. He served in the Northern Mariana Islands House of Representatives and Senate, rising to Senate President in 1995. Fitial was elected governor in 2006 and reelected in 2009, focusing on economic development and infrastructure projects. His administration advanced tourism initiatives and improved public utilities on the islands. Fitial played a key role in negotiations over federal funding and local autonomy. He brought international attention to the Commonwealth through diplomatic visits and business forums. After leaving office in 2013, he remained active in community affairs and local business. Fitial's tenure was marked by both development achievements and controversies over fiscal management. He continues to influence Northern Mariana politics through mentorship and advisory roles.

Gavyn Davies (b. 1950) is an English economist and media executive who served as chairman of the British Broadcasting Corporation from 2001 to 2004. Prior to his tenure at the BBC, he held senior roles in investment banking, co-leading European operations for a major financial firm. During his leadership, Davies guided the corporation through digital expansion and navigated editorial controversies. He has also lectured on economic policy and media management at universities. After leaving the BBC, he continued to influence both financial and cultural sectors through board directorships and advisory positions.

Steve Bannon built his career as an investment banker before founding the news website Breitbart News. He played a key role as chief executive for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and later served as White House Chief Strategist. Known for his provocative commentary and strategic acumen, Bannon remains a polarizing figure in American politics. After leaving the White House, he continued to influence right-wing movements globally through public speaking and writing. His career bridges media entrepreneurship and political activism, making him a significant modern political actor.

Kelly Loeffler (born 27 November 1970) is an American entrepreneur and former United States Senator from Georgia. Before her appointment to the Senate in 2019, she built a career in finance, serving as chief executive of Intercontinental Exchange’s digital asset division. Loeffler co-owned the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, advocating for women’s sports and community engagement. As a senator, she focused on economic growth, national security, and job creation, and served on committees including Finance and Banking. Loeffler gained national attention during her 2020 election campaign and for her response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia. She remains active in philanthropy and business consulting, promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Born in 1984, Leslie Dewan earned her degree in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2012, she co-founded Transatomic Power with the goal of developing safer and more efficient molten salt reactors. Dewan’s innovative approach earned her recognition on lists such as Forbes 30 Under 30 and MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35. She has spoken widely about the role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions. Dewan continues to advance research in next-generation nuclear technologies and advocates for sustainable energy solutions.