December 18

Born in 1851 in Germany, Carl Meyer moved to England and joined the Rothschild banking firm. He became a senior partner, overseeing major financial operations during the British Empire's peak. Meyer served as a director of several London banks and industrial companies, shaping early 20th-century finance. His philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare led to his creation as the 1st Meyer Baronet in 1910. During World War I, he advised government bodies on war finance and economic strategy. Meyer died in 1922, leaving a legacy of philanthropy and financial leadership in Britain.

Randolph Apperson Hearst was an American businessman who played a central role in the Hearst Corporation for over five decades. As son of media magnate William Randolph Hearst, he served as president of various Hearst newspapers and later as chairman of Hearst Broadcasting. Under his leadership, the company expanded its holdings in print, television, and radio. He was also a philanthropist involved in educational and cultural institutions. Hearst's stewardship helped shape one of the largest media empires in the 20th century.

Alan Wagner was born in New York City in 1931 and graduated from Columbia University. He hosted the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts, introducing classical music to a wide audience. In the 1960s, Wagner joined Columbia Artists Management, representing top operatic and concert talents. He authored criticism for Opera News and Musical America, advocating for emerging artists and new repertoire. Wagner served on numerous arts boards and produced concert series that brought opera to national television. His efforts broadened public appreciation for classical music until his death in 2007.

Graham Mackay joined South African Breweries in 1997 and rose to become its chief executive. He masterminded the company’s global expansion, merging with Miller Brewing in 2002 to form SABMiller. Under his leadership, SABMiller expanded across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, becoming a beer industry giant. Mackay championed corporate responsibility initiatives and sustainable development in emerging markets. He served as chairman until 2013, leaving a lasting mark on the global brewing landscape.

Born in 1969, Helge Solum Larsen made his mark as both a businessman and a politician. He rose to prominence within Norway’s Liberal Party, serving as its deputy leader and advocating for environmental and economic reforms. In the private sector, he held board positions in several key industries, leveraging his insight to foster innovation. Larsen was known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to transparency. His dual career bridged the worlds of government and commerce, reflecting a dedication to national progress and entrepreneurship.