December 08

Anselm Adornes (1424–1483) hailed from a wealthy merchant family in Bruges with roots in Genoa. He built an extensive trading network across Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, dealing in textiles, spices, and luxury goods. Leveraging his wealth, he entered municipal politics and became a city magistrate, later representing Bruges in diplomatic missions to England and the Holy Roman Empire. He was knighted for his services and secured favorable trade agreements for the city. A patron of the arts and religious institutions, he commissioned works of architecture and supported local artisans. Adornes exemplifies the rise of merchant elites who combined commerce, politics, and culture in late medieval Europe.

Born in 1813 in Alzey, Prussia, Belmont emigrated to the United States in 1837 with political aspirations. He rose to prominence in New York banking by forming August Belmont & Co., financing railroads and industry. Belmont played a leading role in Democratic Party politics, serving as chairman of its national committee. From 1853 to 1857, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands by President Franklin Pierce. He later helped reorganize the Union's finances during the Civil War and advised on international loans. Belmont's influence on finance and politics endured until his death in 1890.

Born in 1861, William C. Durant began his career as a buggy maker before turning to automobiles. In 1908, he co-founded General Motors, pioneering the concept of a multi-brand automotive company. After being forced out of GM in 1910, he partnered with Louis Chevrolet to start Chevrolet Company, which soon challenged GM’s market share. Durant’s strategic vision of brand diversification and dealer networks reshaped car manufacturing and sales. He eventually returned to lead GM but retired with mixed fortunes, dying in 1947 after leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Bob Arum began his career as a lawyer before entering the world of sports promotion in the early 1970s. In 1973, he established Top Rank, which grew into one of the most powerful boxing promotion firms worldwide. Arum has been instrumental in organizing high-profile fights featuring legends like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Manny Pacquiao. Known for his sharp business acumen and tenacity, he negotiated groundbreaking television deals and secured venues for record-breaking gates. Under his leadership, Top Rank has promoted dozens of world champions across multiple weight classes. Arum's influence extends beyond boxing, as he has also been involved in major legal and media ventures. His enduring presence in the sport has shaped modern professional boxing.

Born in 1936 in Cleveland, Hobson joined Scholastic Corporation in 1968 and played a pivotal role in its expansion into educational publishing. As CEO, he oversaw the growth of book fairs and classroom magazines that promoted literacy among children nationwide. Under his leadership, Scholastic introduced best-selling series like 'Goosebumps' and diversified into multimedia projects. Hobson advocated for reading initiatives and worked with educators to improve access to books in schools. He guided the company through international expansion, establishing branches in multiple countries. His commitment to youth literacy left a lasting impact on educational publishing. Hobson retired in 2002 after a celebrated career and passed away in 2020.

Born in 1937 in Germany to Norwegian parents, Næss Jr. emerged as a leading figure in high-altitude mountaineering. He led the first Norwegian expedition to summit Mount Everest in 1985, showcasing his passion for adventure. Beyond climbing, he built a successful career as a shipping magnate, founding and managing international maritime companies. His marriage to singer Diana Ross in 1986 brought additional public attention to his endeavors. Næss balanced corporate responsibilities with extreme expeditions, advocating for environmental conservation. He supported philanthropic initiatives and youth outdoor education programs. In 2004, he tragically died in a climbing accident in South Africa. His life bridged the worlds of business and adventure.

Felipe Gozon is a Filipino lawyer and businessman best known as the long-time chairman and CEO of GMA Network. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines College of Law and pursued advanced legal studies at Harvard and Yale. Born in 1939, he took over GMA Network's leadership in 2000, guiding it through significant growth. Under his tenure, GMA became one of the Philippines’ leading television networks, expanding into digital platforms and regional stations. Gozon has overseen major programming innovations and strategic partnerships. He also holds directorships in several media and philanthropic organizations. He is celebrated for steering Filipino media through changing industry landscapes and technological shifts.

Richard Desmond began his career publishing adult magazines before acquiring well-known newspapers. He expanded Northern & Shell to include titles like OK! and the Daily Express, becoming a prominent media owner. Desmond later launched Channel 5 television network in the UK, further diversifying his holdings. His business ventures have made him one of Britain's wealthiest publishers. Despite controversies, he remains a significant figure in the British media landscape.