December 20

Harvey Samuel Firestone was born in 1868 in Columbiana, Ohio and became an industrial innovator. He founded the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1900, one of the first global tire manufacturers. Firestone's landmark partnership with Ford Motor Company supplied tires for the Model T. Under his leadership, the company expanded internationally and pioneered tire production techniques. He also invested in rubber plantations in Liberia to secure raw materials for his factories. Firestone's vision helped establish mass-production standards in the burgeoning automotive industry. He served as company chairman until his death in 1938, leaving a lasting business legacy.

Wightman was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and dominated U.S. tennis in the early 1900s. She won six U.S. singles championships and multiple doubles titles throughout her career. In 1923, she donated the Wightman Cup trophy for annual competition between American and British women's teams. A respected coach and mentor, she promoted tennis accessibility for women and juniors. Her legacy endures through the Wightman Cup and her impact on women's tennis development.

William Soeryadjaya was born in 1922 in Majalengka, Indonesia. From humble beginnings, he built Astra International starting as a small distributor for Toyota vehicles in 1957. Under his leadership, the company expanded into automotive manufacturing, heavy equipment, banking, and agribusiness. Recognized by Forbes as one of Indonesia's wealthiest individuals, he was known for his hands-on management style and focus on corporate social responsibility. In the late 1990s financial crisis, Soeryadjaya made headlines by transferring control of his shares to protect the company. He remained active in philanthropy until his death in 2010, leaving a legacy of industrial innovation.

Born in 1942 in Lyon, France, Jean-Claude Trichet graduated from the École Polytechnique and École Nationale d'Administration before joining the French Treasury. He served as Governor of the Bank of France from 1993 to 2003 and was appointed President of the European Central Bank in 2003. During his tenure, Trichet navigated the ECB through the global financial crisis of 2008 and implemented unconventional monetary policies to stabilize the eurozone. He oversaw initiatives like the Securities Markets Programme and long-term refinancing operations. Trichet’s leadership strengthened the ECB’s role in maintaining price stability across Europe.

Andrew Mackenzie began his career as a field geologist, studying mineral deposits in remote regions. He climbed the corporate ladder to become CEO of BHP Billiton, a global mining powerhouse. Under his leadership, the company expanded its portfolio in copper, iron ore, and petroleum. Mackenzie championed sustainable mining practices and invested in innovation to reduce environmental impact. He has been recognized for fostering partnerships between industry and academic research institutions. Beyond mining, he serves on advisory boards shaping global resource policy.