December 18

Born in Yorkshire, England, John Hull emigrated to Boston in 1635 and established himself as a leading merchant. In 1652, he was appointed mintmaster of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and introduced the famous “pine tree shilling” coinage. He held various political offices, including associate and deputy governor, influencing colonial policy and trade. Hull’s operation of the colonial mint led to both prosperity and controversy, including legal challenges over the legitimacy of the coins. He accumulated significant wealth and landholdings, shaping the economic and political landscape of early New England.

James Watney, born in 1800, was a scion of the Watney brewing dynasty in London. He joined the family firm, Watney & Co., and modernized its operations by introducing steam-powered equipment. Under his leadership, the brewery expanded its distribution network across Britain and beyond. He implemented innovations in brewing techniques and business strategy that set new industry standards. Watney retired in the late 19th century, leaving a lasting mark on British brewing history with his forward-thinking management.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Klein started his career as an accountant before moving into music management. He negotiated some of the most lucrative contracts in rock history, notably for the Rolling Stones and later for the Beatles during their turbulent final years. In 1968 he founded ABKCO Records, which managed the catalogs of iconic artists and films. Klein was known for his aggressive negotiating style and controversial legacy, often embroiled in lawsuits over royalties. His impact on music publishing reshaped how artists and labels handled their finances and rights.

Born in Paddington, New South Wales, Provan debuted for St. George Dragons in 1951. He played a key role in the club’s unprecedented run of 11 straight premierships from 1956 to 1966, earning a reputation for toughness and leadership. After retiring as a player, he coached the Dragons to further titles and represented Australia internationally. Following his sporting career, Provan flourished in business, owning a chain of hotels in Queensland. His image alongside teammate Arthur Summons inspired the iconic NSWRL premiership trophy, known as 'The Gladiators'.

Born in 1934 in Belgium, Marc Rich emigrated to the United States to pursue a career in commodity markets. In 1974, he co-founded Marc Rich + Co AG, later known as Glencore, which has become a global powerhouse in trading and mining. Rich’s innovative spot trading strategies revolutionized the oil and metals industries worldwide. Indicted by the U.S. government in 1983 for tax evasion and illegal trading with Iran, he spent years as a fugitive. His controversial pardon by President Bill Clinton in 2001 reignited debates over political influence and justice. Despite his legal battles, Rich’s impact on commodity trading remains deeply felt across global markets.

Vijay Mallya (born December 18, 1955) is an Indian entrepreneur and former member of parliament known for his flamboyant lifestyle. He inherited and expanded the United Breweries Group, launching the premium Kingfisher beer brand that gained international recognition. In 2005, Mallya diversified into aviation by founding Kingfisher Airlines, aiming to establish a leading airline in India's emerging market. He served in the Rajya Sabha from 2002 to 2012, advocating for industry-friendly policies and investment in aviation. Facing financial difficulties, Kingfisher Airlines ceased operations in 2012, leading to disputes over substantial debts and legal challenges. Mallya now resides in the United Kingdom, contesting extradition requests by Indian authorities over alleged loan defaults.