Birth date unverified
Enterprise, industry and ambition across borders
The people behind enterprise and industry
Founders, corporate leaders and economists across Southeast Asia and the United States, connecting personal careers with companies, products, institutions and the people who helped build them.
How we work
Founders and successorsBusiness profiles prioritise annual reports, regulatory disclosures, institutional records and dated appointments over unsourced wealth estimates.
Read our standardsPhilippine Business Builders
Compare nine careers through founder-led growth, national business systems, family succession and the launch of second ventures.
550 sourced biographiesMore profiles are in editorial review
1951—
Surya Paloh
Indonesian media entrepreneur and NasDem party chairmanSurya Paloh developed print and television businesses before leading NasDem, with distinct histories behind his newspaper ventures, Metro TV and political organisations.Read biographyBirth date unverified–2018
George Ty
Metrobank founder and former chairman; GT Capital founder and chairman emeritusGeorge Ty founded Metrobank and developed wider business interests later organised through GT Capital, alongside the educational, arts and community work of Metrobank Foundation.Read biography
1921–2017
Washington SyCip
SGV founder, management-education institution builder and former IFAC presidentWashington SyCip founded the accounting practice that became SGV and helped build Asian management education, combining a Philippine-based career with American citizenship.Read biography
1983—
Shou Zi Chew
Global TikTok CEO and director of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLCShou Zi Chew is a Singaporean executive whose investment and Xiaomi career preceded his appointment as TikTok CEO, later representing the platform before U.S. lawmakers.Read biography
1952—
Dato Sri Tahir
Mayapada founder, banking commissioner, philanthropist and former presidential adviserDato Sri Tahir is an Indonesian businessman and philanthropist whose Mayapada interests connect banking, healthcare and property with education and public-health support.Read biography
1957—
Jack Sim
Social entrepreneur and founder of the World Toilet OrganizationJack Sim redirected his experience in business toward sanitation, founding organisations that use advocacy, training and partnerships to bring toilets into public discussion.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Gilberto Duavit Jr.
GMA Network president and CEO; GMA Kapuso Foundation president and trusteeGilberto Duavit Jr. rose through GMA Network’s board and operating leadership before becoming CEO in January 2024, alongside responsibilities in media-related companies and the Kapuso Foundation.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Jocelyn Chng
JR Group co-founder and group chief executive; food-manufacturing entrepreneurJocelyn Chng developed her family’s sauce business and co-founded JR Group, combining food manufacturing with ready meals, vending formats and work on industry safety guidelines.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Serg Bell
Technology entrepreneur, Acronis founder and former CEO, and Constructor Group chairmanSerg Bell, known in earlier records as Serguei Beloussov, founded software businesses and co-founded Runa Capital before expanding his work in education and research.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Dennis Anthony Uy
Converge co-founder, chief executive and executive directorDennis Anthony Uy co-founded Converge with Maria Grace Uy, building on a Pampanga cable-and-internet business and later leading a publicly listed broadband company.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Tan Kin Lian
Former NTUC Income chief executive and insurance consultantTan Kin Lian built an actuarial and insurance-management career, led NTUC Income from 1977 to 2007 and later entered public life as a presidential candidate.Read biography
1959—
Sunny Verghese
Olam co-founder and Olam Agri chief executiveSunny Verghese co-founded Olam, helped develop its international agricultural business and later concentrated on leading Olam Agri after leaving Olam Group’s CEO role.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Sam Goi
Tee Yih Jia and GSH executive chairman; Singapore’s non-resident ambassador to BrazilSam Goi acquired Tee Yih Jia in 1977 and developed its food-manufacturing business, later combining investment and property interests with education and diplomatic service.Read biography
1960—
Vijay Eswaran
QI Group co-founder and executive chairman; QIU University Council chairmanVijay Eswaran co-founded QI Group and developed interests spanning direct selling, education and other businesses, alongside writing and philanthropic initiatives.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Hans Sy
SM Prime Executive Committee chairman and non-executive director; ChinaBank chairmanHans Sy’s career combines SM Prime and ChinaBank leadership with work on disaster resilience, university governance and specific institutional community projects.Read biography
1958—
Lim Wee Chai
Top Glove co-founder and executive chairmanLim Wee Chai co-founded Top Glove with Tong Siew Bee in 1991, developing a manufacturing business that later listed in Malaysia and Singapore.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Tan Suee Chieh
Former NTUC Income and NTUC Enterprise chief executive; past IFoA presidentTan Suee Chieh combined actuarial training and organisational psychology in insurance and cooperative leadership, later serving as IFoA president in 2020–2021.Read biography
1963—
Goh Choon Phong
Chief executive of Singapore AirlinesGoh Choon Phong joined Singapore Airlines in 1990 and became CEO in 2011, later leading the group through the pandemic and a changed international airline market.Read biography
Recorded birth year: 1951
Dahlan Iskan
Indonesian media entrepreneur and former state-enterprises ministerDahlan Iskan moved from reporting and newspaper management into Indonesia’s state electricity company and Cabinet, later returning to media through Disway.Read biography
1966—
Nazir Razak
Ikhlas Capital founding partner and chairman; former CIMB chief executive and chairmanNazir Razak built a career in Malaysian banking before co-founding Ikhlas Capital, moving from CIMB’s executive leadership and chairmanship into regional private equity.Read biography
1939—
Azman Hashim
Amcorp executive chairman; AmBank chairman emeritus and honorary adviserAzman Hashim built a career in accountancy and banking before acquiring the business that became AmBank, alongside later corporate leadership and educational philanthropy.Read biography1957—
Oudet Souvannavong
Lao business leader and national chamber presidentOudet Souvannavong’s career developed from education and forestry-sector work into business ownership, chamber leadership and regional economic cooperation.Read biography
1941—
Sofjan Wanandi
Indonesian entrepreneur and employers’ association leaderSofjan Wanandi built manufacturing ventures and Santini Group before becoming a prominent employers’ representative and an adviser to Vice President Jusuf Kalla.Read biography
1946—
Philip Yeo
Singapore industrial-development leader and EDIS founderPhilip Yeo’s career connects Singapore’s defence administration and industrial development with research institutions, enterprise support and later economic development businesses.Read biography
1947—
Lim Boon Heng
Former Singapore union leader and enterprise and investment chairmanLim Boon Heng moved from naval architecture and shipping into politics, trade-union leadership and the stewardship of social enterprises and Temasek.Read biography
1979—
Andrew Darwis
Indonesian internet entrepreneur and Kaskus co-founderAndrew Darwis co-founded Kaskus while studying in Seattle, then helped move its operations to Indonesia as member-created discussions and trading developed into a substantial online community.Read biography
1965—
Gita Wirjawan
Indonesian investor, Ancora founder and former trade ministerGita Wirjawan’s career spans international finance, founding Ancora, Indonesian investment and trade administration, philanthropy and public conversations through Endgame.Read biography
1845–1917
Loke Yew
Chinese-born merchant and mining entrepreneur in British MalayaLoke Yew built a diversified business career in British Malaya through mining, trading and revenue farming, while supporting schools and the University of Hong Kong.Read biography
1879–1936
Lim Nee Soon
Straits Settlements planter, merchant and community leaderLim Nee Soon was a Singapore-born planter and merchant whose pineapple and rubber businesses accompanied community service and work supporting Chinese revolutionary networks.Read biography
1869–1957
Lim Boon Keng
Straits Chinese physician, entrepreneur and educational reformerLim Boon Keng combined medical practice with rubber, banking, publishing and educational work, while navigating the competing political loyalties of a Straits Chinese public figure.Read biography
1874–1961
Tan Kah Kee
Entrepreneur, educational benefactor and overseas Chinese political organiserTan Kah Kee built and lost a diversified business group while sustaining educational projects across Singapore and China and participating in overseas Chinese political movements.Read biography
1929–2017
Yeoh Tiong Lay
YTL founder and long-serving executive chairmanYeoh Tiong Lay founded YTL as a construction business in 1955 and led it as chairman while a succeeding management generation expanded its infrastructure and international interests.Read biographyBorn 1950
Felipe Medalla
Economist, former BSP governor and national planning secretaryFelipe Medalla moved from university economics and national planning into the Monetary Board, later leading the Philippine central bank during a period of elevated inflation.Read biography
1946–
Ong Beng Seng
Malaysian businessman and former HPL managing directorOng Beng Seng is a Malaysian businessman based in Singapore, known for co-founding Hotel Properties Limited and involvement in Singapore’s Formula One race. He left HPL’s managing-director role in April 2025.Read biography
1982–
Eduardo Saverin
Singapore-based entrepreneur and B Capital co-founderEduardo Saverin is a Brazil-born entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. A Facebook co-founder with an early finance and business role, he later co-founded the investment firm B Capital.Read biographyBirth date uncertain–2022
Jape Kong Su
Timor-born trader and founder of Darwin’s Jape GroupJape Kong Su was a Timor-born trader and businessman who established the Jape Group in Darwin after displacement and later helped his family invest again in Timor-Leste, including the development of Timor Plaza.Read biography1931–2024
Jose Concepcion Jr.
Philippine industrialist, election-monitoring leader and trade secretaryJose “Joecon” Concepcion Jr. was a Philippine industrialist and civic leader whose work linked RFM’s expansion, volunteer election monitoring and service as trade and industry secretary under Corazon Aquino.Read biographyBirth year not verified
Andrew Tan
Megaworld founder and Alliance Global chairmanAndrew Tan is a Filipino businessman who founded Megaworld and chairs Alliance Global. His career links integrated property development with the growth of Emperador and other separately constituted businesses.Read biography
1934–
Jaime Zobel de Ayala
Ayala chairman emeritus, former diplomat and art photographerJaime Zobel de Ayala is a Filipino businessman, former ambassador and photographer. He joined Ayala in 1958, became chairman and president in 1984, and retired from the chairmanship in 2006.Read biography
1976–
Vishen Lakhiani
Mindvalley co-founder and CEO, author and entrepreneurVishen Lakhiani is a Malaysia-born entrepreneur, author and Mindvalley co-founder. His career moved from technical studies and early internet commerce to a commercial learning platform, community programmes and personal-development publishing.Read biography
1882–1954
Aw Boon Haw
Tiger Balm entrepreneur, newspaper publisher and philanthropistAw Boon Haw was a Rangoon-born businessman who expanded the family’s Tiger Balm enterprise with his brother, developed newspapers and supported charitable projects. Singapore became a major base of his business and cultural legacy.Read biography
1958–
Joey Concepcion
RFM executive and Go Negosyo founderJoey Concepcion is a Filipino business executive and entrepreneurship advocate who founded Go Negosyo in 2005. His career combines RFM leadership, industrial board responsibilities and work connecting smaller enterprises with mentors, capital and markets.Read biography
Birth year not verified
Yap Kwong Weng
Vietnam SuperPort CEO and YCH strategy executiveYap Kwong Weng is a business executive whose career moved from Singapore military service through consulting and corporate transformation to leadership of Vietnam SuperPort and strategic responsibilities at YCH Group.Read biography
Transport, enterprise and philanthropy
Noni Purnomo
Transport executive and philanthropy founderNoni Purnomo is an Indonesian transport executive whose career spans Bluebird’s management and corporate oversight, electric-taxi development and programmes supporting drivers’ families. She is a later-generation leader of the family business, not its founder.Read biography
Digital platforms and investment
Joseph Phua
Paktor co-founder and 17LIVE chairmanJoseph Phua is a Singapore-based digital-platform entrepreneur who co-founded Paktor and helped build the group that became 17LIVE. His career also includes investment activity and distinct periods of executive leadership and non-executive board oversight.Read biography
Internet infrastructure and enterprise
James Seng
Internet entrepreneur, technologist and investorJames Seng is an internet entrepreneur and technologist whose career spans Singapore’s early internet industry, multilingual domain names and ventures in China. His documented work combines technical standards, public administration, company leadership and investment.Read biography
Manufacturing and community leadership
Cecilio K. Pedro
Lamoiyan founder and business-community leaderCecilio K. Pedro is a Filipino entrepreneur who founded Lamoiyan Corporation, the manufacturer behind Hapee toothpaste. His public career also includes deaf-community advocacy and the 2023–2025 presidency of the Filipino-Chinese business federation FFCCCII.Read biography
1957–
James Riady
Business executive and education founderJames Riady is an Indonesian business executive associated with Lippo, Siloam Hospitals and Christian education. His career also includes a 2001 US felony guilty plea over illegal campaign-finance reimbursements.Read biography
1946–
Aburizal Bakrie
Business leader and former coordinating ministerAburizal Bakrie is an Indonesian business leader and former minister who moved from his family’s companies into national business representation and politics. His public record also includes controversy over the family-linked Lapindo company.Read biography
1960–
Cesar Purisima
Accountant, investment professional and former finance secretaryCesar Purisima is a Filipino accountant and investment professional who led SGV before serving in economic cabinet posts. His later work includes Ikhlas Capital and independent board oversight at major companies.Read biography
1948–
Alfredo Pascual
Development banker, university leader and former trade secretaryAlfredo Pascual is a Filipino development banker and institutional leader who moved from chemistry and management studies into finance. His career includes ADB, the UP presidency, trade administration and independent board work.Read biography
1964–
Abdul Wahid Omar
Accountant, corporate leader and former economic-planning ministerAbdul Wahid Omar is a Malaysian accountant and corporate leader whose career spans infrastructure, telecommunications, banking and public service. His later work includes independent board leadership and conservation governance.Read biography
1961–
Azman Mokhtar
Investment executive and Islamic-finance and education board leaderAzman Mokhtar is a Malaysian investment executive who co-founded BinaFikir before leading Khazanah from 2004 to 2018. His later work includes Islamic finance and education governance, with current roles at INCEIF and UTM.Read biography
1955–
Jose Isidro Camacho
International banker and non-executive chairman of Nickel AsiaJose Isidro “Lito” Camacho is a Filipino banker and former energy and finance secretary. After senior roles at Bankers Trust, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse, he became non-executive chairman of Nickel Asia and chairman of the University of the Arts Singapore.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Tan Tong Hai
Former StarHub CEO and chairman of United Hampshire US REIT's managerTan Tong Hai led Pacific Internet, Singapore Computer Systems and StarHub before combining corporate board work with a twelve-year chairmanship of Nanyang Polytechnic.Read biography
1971–
Cynthia Chua
Spa Esprit Group founder and lifestyle entrepreneurCynthia Chua founded Spa Esprit in 1996 and developed specialist grooming and dining concepts, linking consumer-brand design with the expansion of Singapore's lifestyle businesses.Read biography
1969–
Irene Ang
FLY Entertainment founder, talent-management entrepreneur and performerIrene Ang founded FLY Entertainment in 1999 while building an acting career. Her business work connects talent representation, corporate events, production and digital content.Read biography
1975–
Calvin Cheng
Entrepreneur and investor in media, education technology and digital assetsCalvin Cheng's business career spans model management, events, corporate training and digital assets. He helped take Retech to an Australian listing and served as a nominated MP.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Fernando Zobel de Ayala
Ayala Corporation non-executive director and former president and CEOThe Filipino business leader whose Ayala career spans operational management, a period as president and CEO, and later board and foundation responsibilities.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Queenie Chong
Memori co-founder and Bruneian entrepreneur in digital legacy planningThe Bruneian entrepreneur who moved from economics education into startup development, digital legacy planning and advocacy for inclusive digital skills.Read biography
1972—
Mengly J. Quach
Founder, chairman and CEO of Mengly J. Quach EducationThe physician and education entrepreneur who founded MJQE in 2005 and led a business spanning general schooling, language instruction and overseas-study services.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Helianti Hilman
Javara founder and food-biodiversity entrepreneurThe lawyer and founder of Javara who built a food business around Indonesian biodiversity, rural producers, heritage branding and entrepreneurship training.Read biography
Contemporary
Luu Meng
Malis co-founder, hospitality entrepreneur and culinary educatorThe Cambodian chef and entrepreneur who turned regional food research into Malis, expanded hospitality businesses and helped train the next generation of industry professionals.Read biography
Contemporary
Musa Adnin
Adinin Group managing director and ASEAN business representativeThe Bruneian business leader who helped expand Adinin from local contracting into diversified services, regional ventures and business representation.Read biography
Contemporary
Goh King Chin
GHK Motors founder and automotive business leaderThe GHK Motors founder whose career connects Brunei’s automotive distribution market, technical services, customised business vehicles and community projects.Read biography
1963—
Ilham Akbar Habibie
Ilthabi Rekatama co-founder and aerospace entrepreneurThe Indonesian aerospace engineer and entrepreneur whose career connects aircraft development, industrial investment and professional engineering leadership.Read biography
Contemporary
In Vichet
Mediaload founder and digital-media entrepreneurThe Cambodian entrepreneur whose businesses connect online shopping, Khmer-language digital media, marketing services and commercial film production.Read biography
Contemporary
Lau How Teck
Hua Ho Agricultural Farm managing director and food-business leaderThe Bruneian farm-business leader whose Hua Ho career connects family retailing, agricultural technology, food quality and public discussion of food security.Read biography
1874–1932
Bạch Thái Bưởi
Shipping entrepreneur, shipyard operator and publisherThe Vietnamese entrepreneur whose career moved from clerical work and construction supply into shipping, shipbuilding, publishing and other businesses under French colonial rule.Read biography
Contemporary
Zaw Naing Thein
Supreme Group engineering and power-sector executiveThe Myanmar business executive whose documented career connects engineering companies, power-generation partnerships and networks supporting young entrepreneurs.Read biography
Contemporary
Chan Sui Kiat
Maju Motors founder and former Chinese Chamber of Commerce presidentThe Brunei business figure associated with Maju Motors whose wider public work connects commercial networks, Chinese-language education and community organisations.Read biography
1970–
Arsjad Rasjid
Indika Energy commissioner and former president directorThe Indonesian executive whose Indika career spans media, coal-linked energy investment and diversification, alongside leadership in national business representation.Read biography
Contemporary
Ken Tun
Parami Energy founder and energy entrepreneurThe Myanmar entrepreneur whose Parami Energy career connects services for international energy companies with LPG distribution, rural mini-grids and educational initiatives.Read biography
1961–2024
Sehat Sutardja
Marvell co-founder and semiconductor engineerThe Jakarta-born engineer who co-founded Marvell with Weili Dai and Pantas Sutardja, developed storage-chip technology and later helped establish Silicon Box.Read biography
Contemporary
Francis Wong
Encounter Australia managing director and Australia–ASEAN Business Forum chairmanThe Brunei-born, Australia-based tourism entrepreneur whose career developed from Encounter Australia into trade councils, regional forums and cross-border business introductions.Read biography
1963–
Jensen Huang
NVIDIA co-founder, president and chief executive officerThe Taiwan-born engineer who co-founded NVIDIA with Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem in 1993, then led its expansion from graphics chips into computing platforms.Read biography
1867–1919
Madam C. J. Walker
Hair-care entrepreneur, philanthropist and civil-rights advocateBorn Sarah Breedlove, she built a hair-care manufacturing and sales network, then used her wealth and influence to support Black institutions and oppose racial violence.Read biography
1835–1919
Andrew Carnegie
Steel industrialist and philanthropistA Scotland-born American industrialist who expanded steel production, supported the management campaign against the Homestead union and devoted his later life to philanthropy.Read biography
1863–1947
Henry Ford
Automobile manufacturer and founder of Ford Motor CompanyAn American manufacturer whose company made the Model T in enormous numbers, developed moving assembly methods and combined high wages with intrusive labor policies.Read biography
1846–1914
George Westinghouse
Inventor and founder of air-brake and electrical manufacturing companiesAn American industrial inventor whose air-brake business preceded his electrical company, where engineers developed power systems using contributions from William Stanley, Nikola Tesla and others.Read biography
1854–1932
George Eastman
Photography entrepreneur, Kodak founder and philanthropistAn American entrepreneur who connected photographic manufacturing, roll-film cameras, processing services and advertising, while building the business later named Eastman Kodak.Read biography
1829–1902
Levi Strauss
Dry-goods merchant, clothing manufacturer and philanthropistA Bavarian-born American merchant whose San Francisco wholesale business became the commercial partner of tailor Jacob Davis in patented riveted clothing.Read biography
1864–1934
Maggie Lena Walker
Bank founder, fraternal leader, newspaper editor and civil rights advocateA Richmond institution builder who led the Independent Order of St. Luke, established its bank and newspaper, and created opportunities for Black workers and families.Read biography
1847–1931
Thomas Edison
Inventor, laboratory organizer and industrial entrepreneurAn American inventor and entrepreneur whose laboratories connected experimental work with manufacturing, finance and commercial systems.Read biography
1839–1937
John D. Rockefeller
Oil entrepreneur and institutional philanthropistAn American oil businessman whose Standard Oil organization became a focus of antitrust action and whose fortune funded enduring philanthropic institutions.Read biography
1929–2023
Gordon Moore
Semiconductor chemist, Intel cofounder and philanthropistA chemist and business leader who helped build semiconductor companies, forecast growing chip complexity and later supported science and conservation.Read biography
1955–present
Indra Nooyi
Former PepsiCo chief executive and board chairAn India-born business leader whose career in the United States linked corporate strategy, PepsiCo’s leadership and debate about work and caregiving.Read biography
1964–present
Jeff Bezos
Amazon founder and former chief executiveA technology entrepreneur whose Amazon career connected online retail, physical distribution and computing services, alongside separate space and media interests.Read biography
1930–present
Warren Buffett
Investor, Berkshire Hathaway leader and philanthropistAn investor and executive whose Berkshire Hathaway career joined capital allocation, insurance and operating businesses, followed by major philanthropic commitments.Read biography
1950–present
Steve Wozniak
Computer engineer, Apple co-founder and educatorAn engineer whose economical hardware and software designs helped turn hobbyist microcomputing into a consumer business, followed by work in education and other ventures.Read biography
1906/1908–2004
Estée Lauder
Cosmetics entrepreneur and company co-founderA cosmetics entrepreneur who combined product development, personal selling and department-store distribution to build a family business with international reach.Read biography
1918–1992
Sam Walton
Retail entrepreneur and Walmart co-founderA retailer whose experience in variety stores led to a discount chain organized around small-town markets, purchasing, distribution and store-level information.Read biography
1955–2011
Steve Jobs
Apple co-founder, NeXT founder and Pixar executiveSteve Jobs co-founded Apple, established NeXT after leaving in 1985, and backed the independent Pixar. His return through Apple's NeXT acquisition preceded a second period leading Apple’s product development and business strategy.Read biography
1912–1996
David Packard
Hewlett-Packard co-founder, engineer and philanthropistDavid Packard helped turn a small test-instrument partnership into Hewlett-Packard. His career combined engineering and management with service as deputy secretary of defense and philanthropy undertaken with Lucile Packard and their family.Read biography
1954–present
Oprah Winfrey
Media entrepreneur, producer, broadcaster and philanthropistOprah Winfrey built a media business around broadcasting, production and ownership. Her nationally syndicated talk show became the foundation for Harpo’s production work and a later cable-network venture, alongside acting and education philanthropy.Read biography
1958–present
Ursula Burns
Engineer, former Xerox chief executive and business leaderUrsula Burns advanced from a Xerox engineering internship to leadership of the company. As CEO, she oversaw its expansion into business services and later separation into two companies, while also supporting engineering education and public advisory work.Read biography
1969–present
Mellody Hobson
Asset-management executive, corporate director and financial-literacy advocateMellody Hobson developed a career in client services, management and ownership at Ariel Investments, becoming co-CEO in 2019. Her work also extended to corporate boards, financial education and philanthropy connected with universities and cultural institutions.Read biography
1902–1984
Ray Kroc
Restaurant franchising entrepreneurRay Kroc was an American salesman and restaurant entrepreneur who developed McDonald's national franchise organization and acquired the McDonald brothers' business rights in 1961.Read biography
1955–present
Bill Gates
Microsoft cofounder and philanthropistBill Gates is an American software entrepreneur who cofounded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, led it as CEO until 2000, and later concentrated increasingly on philanthropy.Read biography
1956–present
Meg Whitman
Business executive and former diplomatMeg Whitman is an American executive who led eBay from 1998 to 2008, later headed HP and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and served as United States ambassador to Kenya.Read biography
1953–present
Howard Schultz
Coffeehouse entrepreneur and former Starbucks CEOHoward Schultz is an American entrepreneur who built Starbucks's coffeehouse business, served several terms as its CEO, and became a prominent participant in debates about employee benefits and union representation.Read biography
1961–present
Mary Barra
Automotive engineer and General Motors executiveMary Barra is an American automotive executive who rose from a Pontiac co-op placement to lead General Motors. Her tenure encompasses the ignition-switch safety crisis and the company's changing vehicle and technology strategy.Read biography
1965–present
Michael Dell
Dell founder and technology executiveMichael Dell is an American entrepreneur who founded the business that became Dell Technologies. His career spans direct computer sales, global manufacturing, a CEO handover and return, and major changes in the company's ownership and product range.Read biography
1957–present
Ginni Rometty
Former IBM chief executive and technology business leaderGinni Rometty is an American technology executive who led IBM as CEO from January 2012 until April 2020, then served as executive chair until retiring that December. Her career connects enterprise computing, consulting, acquisitions and workforce development.Read biography
1960–present
Tim Cook
Apple executive chair and former chief executiveTim Cook is an American business executive who joined Apple in 1998, became CEO in August 2011 and moved to executive chair in September 2026. His career centers on operations, supply chains, global products and the management of a large technology platform.Read biography
1960–present
Reed Hastings
Software entrepreneur and Netflix cofounderReed Hastings is an American software entrepreneur who cofounded Netflix in 1997. He led the company as CEO and later co-CEO before moving to executive chair in 2023, nonexecutive chair in 2025 and leaving its board in June 2026.Read biography
1942–present
Michael Bloomberg
Financial-information entrepreneur and former New York City mayorMichael Bloomberg is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who helped establish Bloomberg L.P. in 1981. He served as New York City mayor from 2002 through 2013, then returned to business and philanthropic work.Read biography
1969–present
Lisa Su
Electrical engineer and AMD chair and chief executiveLisa Su is an American electrical engineer and business executive born in Taiwan. After engineering and management roles at Texas Instruments, IBM and Freescale, she joined AMD in 2012, became CEO in 2014 and added the board-chair role in 2022.Read biography
1837–1913
J. P. Morgan
Investment banker, corporate financier and collectorJ. P. Morgan was an American investment banker whose partnerships connected European capital with American railroads and industry. He helped organize U.S. Steel, coordinated emergency lending during financial crises and built collections that contributed to major public cultural institutions.Read biography
1901–1966
Walt Disney
Animation producer and entertainment entrepreneurWalt Disney was an American animation producer and entrepreneur who built an entertainment business with his brother Roy. His work ranged from silent cartoon production to Mickey Mouse, animated features, television and Disneyland, with essential contributions from artists, performers and business partners.Read biography
1893–1971
Roy O. Disney
Studio cofounder, business executive and financierRoy O. Disney was the business partner and older brother of Walt Disney. He helped sustain the studio’s growth, develop distribution and licensing, and carry the Florida resort project through to its 1971 opening after Walt’s death.Read biographyc. 1725–1803
Arthur Guinness
Brewer and founder of the St James’s Gate Guinness businessArthur Guinness was an Irish brewer who moved from County Kildare to Dublin and developed a lasting business at St James’s Gate. His career involved ale, porter, grain trading and milling, establishing an enterprise that later generations expanded far beyond his lifetime.Read biography
1937–1970
Bruce McLaren
Racing-car designer, engineer, company founder and driverBruce McLaren was a New Zealand racing driver and engineering entrepreneur who founded a British-based racing operation in 1963. He combined driving, car development and team leadership before dying during a test at Goodwood in 1970.Read biography
1957–present
Aliko Dangote
Industrialist and founder of Dangote GroupAliko Dangote is a Nigerian industrialist who built a commodity trading business into a manufacturing group. His career spans cement production across Africa and the development of a major refinery near Lagos, while raising enduring questions about infrastructure, industrial policy, market competition and corporate power.Read biography
1962–present
James Mwangi
Accountant, banker and Equity Group executiveJames Mwangi is a Kenyan accountant and banking executive associated with Equity’s recovery and expansion. He became chief executive in 2004, as the former building society converted to a commercial bank, and later led the regional Equity Group.Read biography
1906–1991
Soichiro Honda
Industrialist and founder of Honda Motor Co.Soichiro Honda moved from vehicle repair and piston-ring manufacture into a motorcycle company with an international reach. His technical leadership worked alongside Takeo Fujisawa’s commercial organization and the contributions of specialist engineering teams.Read biography1921–1999
Akio Morita
Sony co-founder and business executiveAkio Morita co-founded the company that became Sony with Masaru Ibuka in 1946. He helped connect engineering projects with overseas markets, distribution and a recognizable brand, later championing products including the Walkman.Read biography
1915–2001
Chung Ju-yung
Entrepreneur and Hyundai founderChung Ju-yung founded the businesses that grew into Hyundai. His career moved from repair work and construction into cars and shipbuilding, drawing on workers, engineers, overseas technology and financing. In his later years he promoted business contact with North Korea.Read biography1910–1987
Lee Byung-chul
Entrepreneur and Samsung founderLee Byung-chul founded Samsung as a trading business in 1938. He later expanded into sugar, textiles, finance and electronics, and backed the group’s move into advanced memory chips. His decisions depended on managers, technical partners, engineers and workers.Read biography1908–1997
Masaru Ibuka
Engineer and co-founder of SonyMasaru Ibuka co-founded the company that became Sony with Akio Morita. His career joined practical electrical engineering with the organization of teams developing tape recorders, transistor products, television and personal audio.Read biography1919–1982
Kazuo Iwama
Engineer and president of SonyKazuo Iwama brought a geophysics education to Sony, organized transistor research and later protected a difficult image-sensor development program. He became Sony’s president in 1976 and died before its CCDs reached mass production.Read biography1913–2001
William Hewlett
Engineer, Hewlett-Packard co-founder and philanthropistWilliam Hewlett brought engineering knowledge and sustained attention to products to the company he founded with David Packard. His career extended from test instruments to scientific calculators, research management and philanthropy.Read biography1936–2007
Tony Ryan
Aircraft-leasing entrepreneur and Ryanair co-founderTony Ryan helped build Guinness Peat Aviation into a major aircraft lessor and backed the airline that became Ryanair. His career includes GPA’s financing crisis and the work of successors and partners who shaped both businesses.Read biography
1966–
Rod Drury
Software entrepreneur and Xero co-founderRod Drury co-founded Xero with Hamish Edwards in 2006 and led it as chief executive until 2018. He later served as a non-executive director, retiring from the board in August 2023.Read biographyContemporary
Hamish Edwards
Accountant, software entrepreneur and Xero co-founderHamish Edwards brought accounting-practice experience to Xero, which he co-founded with Rod Drury in 2006. Its early filings identify his finance and UK leadership roles; he later helped develop Firmcheck for accounting firms.Read biography
1927–1990
Robert Noyce
Physicist, integrated-circuit inventor and semiconductor executiveRobert Noyce connected semiconductor research with company building. A co-founder of Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel, he developed a practical interconnection approach for silicon integrated circuits and helped organise teams that turned devices into manufactured products.Read biography
1936–2016
Andy Grove
Chemical engineer, semiconductor researcher and Intel executiveAndy Grove moved from chemical engineering research to semiconductor manufacturing and executive leadership. Intel’s first recruit, he worked with Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore before becoming president, chief executive and chairman.Read biography1926–
Arthur Rock
Technology financier, company organiser and board leaderArthur Rock helped semiconductor researchers become company founders. Working first at Hayden, Stone and later in California partnerships, he connected technical teams with financing and took active roles in company governance.Read biography1929–2021
Jay Last
Physicist, semiconductor development leader and publisherJay Last combined optical training with semiconductor development. A member of Fairchild’s founding group, he led an early integrated-circuit team, later worked at Amelco and Teledyne, and built an influential second career in publishing and collecting.Read biography1927–2013
Hiroshi Yamauchi
Nintendo president, 1949–2002, and later adviserHiroshi Yamauchi led Nintendo through its expansion from playing cards into toys, arcade games, home consoles and handheld systems. He combined decisions about products and staff with a lasting emphasis on distinctive software.Read biography
1959–2015
Satoru Iwata
Programmer, HAL Laboratory president and Nintendo presidentSatoru Iwata brought experience as a programmer and HAL Laboratory president to Nintendo’s leadership. His tenure included the DS and Wii, developer interviews and difficult later platform transitions.Read biography
1932–2022
Kazuo Inamori
Ceramics engineer, Kyocera founder and business leaderKazuo Inamori developed ceramic components and helped build the organisations that manufactured and sold them. His career extended from Kyocera to telecommunications, philanthropy and the chairmanship of Japan Airlines during its restructuring.Read biography1910–1988
Takeo Fujisawa
Business executive and Honda co-founderTakeo Fujisawa organised finance, distribution and long-term management at Honda. Joining in 1949, after the company’s incorporation, he became the commercial partner whose decisions helped turn motorcycles into a scalable international business.Read biography
1894–1989
Konosuke Matsushita
Electrical-products manufacturer and Panasonic founderKonosuke Matsushita built the electrical-products company that became Panasonic from a small workshop. His work combined product design with wholesale and retail relationships, business divisions and institutions for management education.Read biography
1894–1952
Kiichiro Toyoda
Mechanical engineer and Toyota Motor founderKiichiro Toyoda helped develop automatic looms before directing the Toyoda group’s move into automobile manufacturing. His work depended on engineers, financial backing, sales leadership and government policy; the 1950 crisis ended his presidency.Read biographyc. 1923–2012
Chaleo Yoovidhya
Pharmaceutical entrepreneur and Krating Daeng co-founderChaleo Yoovidhya developed a Thai drinks business from pharmaceutical sales and manufacturing. His partnership with Dietrich Mateschitz adapted Krating Daeng for a different international market while preserving distinct Thai and Austrian organisations.Read biographyBorn c. 1957
Thongma Vijitpongpun
Civil engineer and Pruksa founderThongma Vijitpongpun applied civil engineering and construction experience to mass-market housing. Pruksa’s growth involved production systems, customer finance and professional management, followed by a holding-company structure in 2016.Read biographyBorn 1948
Isara Vongkusolkit
Mitr Phol business leader and former Thai Chamber of Commerce chairmanIsara Vongkusolkit helped expand his family’s sugar business through manufacturing expertise, international investment and research. His later public roles included the Thai Chamber of Commerce and educational institutions.Read biography
Born 1949
William Heinecke
Minor founder and hotel and restaurant business leaderAmerican-born William Heinecke built businesses in Thailand before expanding into restaurants and hotels. His career combines franchises, home-grown brands, management contracts and acquisitions through Minor International.Read biography1946–2025
Dado Banatao
Semiconductor engineer, company co-founder and investorDado Banatao combined computer architecture and chip design in businesses supplying personal-computer manufacturers. His later work as an investor and philanthropist supported technical companies, education and research.Read biography
1921–2012
Verghese Kurien
Dairy engineer, cooperative manager and institution builderVerghese Kurien helped build farmer-owned dairy enterprises and the institutions supporting them. His career linked engineering, professional management, marketing and the financing of cooperative development.Read biography1903–1994
Tribhuvandas Patel
Cooperative organiser and founding Kaira Union chairmanTribhuvandas Patel organised milk producers into village societies and the Kaira district union. He helped establish farmer ownership, recruited professional management and later supported a cooperative-linked rural health foundation.Read biographyBorn 1955
S. Gopalakrishnan
Infosys co-founder, technology executive and research philanthropistSenapathy “Kris” Gopalakrishnan helped build Infosys’s software-services operations and later served as its chief executive. His subsequent work supports start-ups, research institutions and the documentation of Indian information technology.Read biography1929–
Manu Chandaria
Industrialist, family-business leader and philanthropistManu Chandaria brought engineering training to a family manufacturing business and became a prominent advocate of business cooperation and organised philanthropy in Kenya.Read biography
1960–
Vimal Shah
Bidco Africa chairman and co-founderVimal Shah helped his father Bhimji and brother Tarun develop the family’s manufacturing business into Bidco’s consumer-goods operations. His career includes industrial expansion, partnerships and business education.Read biography1943–
Peter Munga
Founder chairman of Equity and diversified business investorPeter Kahara Munga combined public administration with enterprise, founding Equity Building Society and later serving on business boards while supporting agricultural and educational institutions.Read biography1937–2024
Joe Wanjui
Industrial manager, investor and former University of Nairobi chancellorJoseph Barrage “Joe” Wanjui moved from technical and management study into Kenya’s industrial-development institutions, multinational manufacturing and university governance.Read biography1907–1969
Koo In-hwo
LG founder and manufacturing entrepreneurKoo In-hwo built a manufacturing enterprise from cosmetics, plastics and household goods, then backed the electronics business that became LG Electronics.Read biography1925–2019
Koo Ja-kyung
Second chairman of LG and education-foundation leaderKoo Ja-kyung led LG from 1970 to 1995 after two decades in its manufacturing operations, supporting research, overseas plants and professional management.Read biography
1942–2020
Lee Kun-hee
Samsung chairman and industrial business leaderLee Kun-hee led Samsung after its founder’s death, pressing for product quality and international competitiveness while also holding Olympic and cultural roles.Read biography1921–2020
Shin Kyuk-ho
Founder of Lotte’s Japanese and Korean businessesShin Kyuk-ho established Lotte in postwar Japan and later developed Korean confectionery, hotel and retail businesses under the same group name.Read biography1953–
Mike Adenuga
Business investor and Globacom founderMike Adenuga developed interests in petroleum, banking and telecommunications. His Globacom venture connected consumer mobile services with investment in the international cable infrastructure carrying traffic between West Africa and Europe.Read biography
1963–
Tony Elumelu
Banker, investor and entrepreneurship philanthropistTony Elumelu moved from banking into diversified investment and entrepreneurship philanthropy. The Standard Trust–UBA merger, the creation of Heirs Holdings and a foundation programme form separate stages in a career shaped by institutional expansion.Read biography1960–
Abdul Samad Rabiu
Industrial investor and BUA founderAbdul Samad Rabiu built BUA from commodity trading into a manufacturing group with major food and cement interests. Acquisitions, new plants and publicly listed companies changed the scale and organisation of the enterprise.Read biography
1951–
Folorunso Alakija
Businesswoman, fashion entrepreneur and philanthropistFolorunso Alakija moved from office administration and banking into fashion, printing and a family oil business. Her career links personal enterprise with partnerships, a contested petroleum interest and institutional philanthropy.Read biography1955–
Graeme Hart
Business investor and Rank Group ownerGraeme Hart built an international investment business through acquisitions, including packaging and consumer-products operations. University and company records connect his approach to finance, business integration and a substantial commitment to dental education.Read biography1951–
Stephen Tindall
The Warehouse founder, investor and philanthropistStephen Tindall opened the first Warehouse store in Takapuna in 1982. The chain’s national growth and stock-market listing were followed by philanthropic work with Margaret Tindall and investment in young New Zealand businesses.Read biography1938–2025
Michael Hill
Jewellery retailer, entrepreneur and arts patronMichael Hill and Christine Hill opened a jewellery shop in Whangārei in 1979. Their business grew internationally, while his lifelong interest in music helped establish a competition offering young violinists performance and career opportunities.Read biography1976/77–
Peter Beck
Rocket Lab founder and aerospace entrepreneurPeter Beck built a career in precision engineering before founding Rocket Lab in 2006. The company’s progression from experimental rockets to orbital launches and public markets linked engineering development with manufacturing, launch infrastructure and finance.Read biography1958–
Denis O’Brien
Telecommunications entrepreneur; Digicel founderDenis O’Brien founded Esat Telecom and Digicel, taking an Irish telecommunications career into the Caribbean. His record also includes philanthropy, contested tribunal findings and a restructuring that ended his control of Digicel.Read biography1936–2024
Tony O’Reilly
Business executive, newspaper investor and philanthropistTony O’Reilly combined an international rugby career with leadership in food, newspapers and philanthropy. The achievements of Kerrygold, Heinz and The Ireland Funds sit alongside failed investments and his later personal bankruptcy.Read biography1936–
Michael Smurfit
Packaging business leader and education benefactorMichael Smurfit developed a family packaging business through international acquisitions and helped oversee the 2005 creation of Smurfit Kappa. His name also became associated with graduate business education at University College Dublin.Read biography1960–
Anne Heraty
Cpl co-founder and former chief executiveAnne Heraty co-founded Cpl in 1989 and led it through a public listing, international expansion and acquisition by Outsourcing. Her broader governance career includes both enterprise leadership and a non-executive role at Anglo Irish Bank before its nationalisation.Read biography1936–2019
Kim Woo-choong
Daewoo founder and former chairmanKim Woo-choong built Daewoo from a textile trading business into a multinational group. Its collapse brought creditor workouts, his departure and a later criminal conviction and presidential pardon.Read biography1938–
Chung Mong-koo
Hyundai Motor Group honorary chairman; former group chairmanChung Mong-koo led Hyundai Motor Group through international manufacturing expansion and a sustained emphasis on quality. He became honorary chairman when Euisun Chung succeeded him in October 2020.Read biography1929–1998
Chey Jong-hyun
SK Group chairman (1973–1998); Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies founderChey Jong-hyun led the business now known as SK from textiles into energy, chemicals and telecommunications. He also established the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies in 1974.Read biography1924–2003
Suh Sung-whan
Pacific Chemical founder; cosmetics and tea entrepreneurSuh Sung-whan established Pacific Chemical in 1945 and developed cosmetics manufacturing, research and marketing. His interests also extended to tea cultivation, museums and charitable institutions.Read biography1867–1930
Sakichi Toyoda
Inventor and Toyota Industries founderSakichi Toyoda developed looms through repeated experiments and commercial trials. The textile businesses he helped establish preceded the automotive company later founded by his son Kiichiro.Read biography1835–1885
Yataro Iwasaki
Mitsubishi founder and shipping entrepreneurYataro Iwasaki developed Mitsubishi through shipping, state contracts and investment beyond transport. His successors continued its businesses after his death in 1885.Read biography1837–1912
Shozo Kawasaki
Shipbuilder and Kawasaki Dockyard founderShozo Kawasaki moved from trading and shipping into shipbuilding. He founded the business that became Kawasaki Dockyard, then served as adviser when Kojiro Matsukata became its first corporate president.Read biography1949–
Tadashi Yanai
UNIQLO founder and Fast Retailing business leaderTadashi Yanai developed a family clothing business into UNIQLO and the wider Fast Retailing group. Its dated records distinguish store openings, corporate changes and later financial performance.Read biography1975–
Sam Morgan
Trade Me founder, investor and philanthropistSam Morgan helped establish online auctions as an everyday New Zealand service, then developed separate investment and philanthropic interests.Read biography1950–
Ian Taylor
Television producer and Animation Research co-founderIan Taylor combined television production with university computer-graphics expertise to build an international business from Dunedin.Read biographyActive since the 1970s
Bill Buckley
Engineering entrepreneur and Buckley Systems founderBill Buckley built a specialist engineering business around manufacturing difficult components for customers in research, semiconductors and medical equipment.Read biography1911–1990
William Gallagher Sr.
Farmer, inventor and manufacturing entrepreneurAlfred William Gallagher, usually called Bill, turned practical farm inventions into a manufacturing business whose development involved his brothers and sons.Read biography1957–2012
Lloyd Morrison
Investment entrepreneur and Infratil founderLloyd Morrison established an investment-management firm and helped create a listed company through which shareholders could invest in infrastructure businesses.Read biography1953–
Joan Withers
Media executive, author and company directorJoan Withers moved from early banking and media work into executive leadership, then became widely recognised for governance and advocacy for women.Read biography1927–2011
Park Tae-joon
POSCO founding president and industrial institution builderPark Tae-joon led POSCO from its establishment through major steelworks expansion and helped build educational and research institutions around it.Read biography1945–2018
Koo Bon-moo
Third LG Group chairmanKoo Bon-moo became LG’s third chairman after two decades of operating experience and led a period of technological investment and organisational change.Read biography1963–
Suh Kyung-bae
Amorepacific business leader and educational donorSuh Kyung-bae led the beauty business developed by his father and connected that work with international business education and university giving.Read biography1967–
Lee Hae-jin
NAVER founder and technology business leaderLee Hae-jin is associated with NAVER’s founding and the development of a Korean-language internet platform built by teams and participating users.Read biography1968–2022
Kim Jung-ju
Nexon co-founder and former NXC chief executiveKim Jung-ju helped establish Nexon and later led its holding company as the game business developed across Korea and Japan.Read biography1967–
Kim Taek-jin
NCSOFT founder and game-development business leaderKim Taek-jin founded NCSOFT and led a game business whose corporate filings document its formation, releases and later division of executive responsibilities.Read biography1886–1974
James Fletcher Sr.
Builder, industrialist and wartime construction administratorJames Fletcher built a construction enterprise with partners and brothers, then served in wartime administration while a second generation took executive responsibility.Read biography1885–1971
Robert Laidlaw
Mail-order retailer and evangelical philanthropistRobert Laidlaw developed a mail-order business and later managed the enlarged Farmers enterprise, while maintaining a substantial evangelical and charitable life.Read biography1912–1975
Woolf Fisher
Manufacturer, steel-industry chairman and educational benefactorWoolf Fisher helped develop an appliance manufacturer, chaired the formation of New Zealand Steel and founded a trust supporting teachers’ overseas study.Read biographyDied 2002
Maurice Paykel
Appliance manufacturer and health-research benefactorMaurice Paykel helped lead Fisher and Paykel’s move from importing into manufacturing and supported the company’s healthcare work and independent research philanthropy.Read biography1835–1905
Bendix Hallenstein
Merchant, clothing manufacturer and retailerBendix Hallenstein moved from goldfields trading into clothing manufacture and retailing, and became involved in public office and debates about workers’ conditions.Read biography1835–1912
Joseph Nathan
Merchant, dairy manufacturer and exporterJoseph Edward Nathan developed a Wellington trading firm and a family business that later entered dried-milk manufacturing and international marketing.Read biography1929–2024
Wee Cho Yaw
Banker and community leaderWee Cho Yaw led UOB through regional expansion and acquisitions while serving Singapore’s education and Chinese community institutions.Read biography1890–1978
Wee Kheng Chiang
Sarawak entrepreneur and Singapore bank co-founderWee Kheng Chiang built trading and banking connections between Sarawak and Singapore and led the group that founded United Chinese Bank.Read biography1906–2004
Lien Ying Chow
Banker, hotelier and educational benefactorLien Ying Chow built Overseas Union Bank and supported educational institutions and a foundation that continued beyond his banking career.Read biography1927–2025
Goh Cheng Liang
Paint-industry entrepreneur and philanthropistGoh Cheng Liang helped build a paint business through a partnership that combined Japanese production technology with local operating and market knowledge.Read biography1928–2010
Ng Teng Fong
Property entrepreneurNg Teng Fong developed property businesses in Singapore and Hong Kong, with family and institutional philanthropy continuing after his death.Read biographyCareer from 1973
Cheng Wai Keung
Business executive and institutional directorCheng Wai Keung’s career spans Wing Tai’s changing businesses and board service in Singapore’s investment and healthcare institutions.Read biography1960–
Chey Tae-won
Business-group executiveChey Tae-won’s career connects SK’s family succession, expansion into semiconductors and public debates about corporate responsibility.Read biography1970–
Chung Eui-sun
Automotive executiveChung Eui-sun developed an executive career across Hyundai and Kia before appointment to group chairmanship in 2020.Read biography1976–
Kim Bong-jin
Designer and platform entrepreneurKim Bong-jin brought a design-led approach to the food-ordering business associated with Baemin and Woowa Brothers.Read biography1973–
Chang Byung-gyu
Technology entrepreneur and company directorChang Byung-gyu’s career spans software ventures, search, games and early-stage investment, with a later role in public technology policy.Read biography1957–
Seo Jung-jin
Biopharmaceutical entrepreneurSeo Jung-jin helped establish Celltrion after an earlier industrial career and business disruption associated with Daewoo.Read biography1959–
Hwang Chul-joo
Semiconductor-equipment entrepreneurHwang Chul-joo developed a semiconductor-equipment business after technical education and experience with electronics and equipment companies.Read biography1921–2017
David Consunji
Civil engineer, contractor and public administratorDavid Consunji built a contracting enterprise from small postwar projects into a company associated with major Philippine buildings and infrastructure.Read biography1949–
Isidro Consunji
Civil engineer and diversified-group executiveIsidro Consunji extended a construction-family career into the management of a diversified Philippine group and public institutional responsibilities.Read biography1943–
Alfredo Yao
Packaging and beverage entrepreneurAlfredo Yao moved from printing wrappers to developing drinks for packaging equipment that established manufacturers had declined to use.Read biography1961–
Robina Gokongwei-Pe
Retail executive and company chairRobina Gokongwei-Pe entered the family group as a management trainee and later led a retail organisation spanning food, drugstores and other formats.Read biography1953–
Lucio Co
Retail entrepreneur and company directorLucio Co moved from a family trading environment and duty-free retail into the supermarket business he developed with Susan Co.Read biographyBusiness career documented from 1980
Frederick Dy
Banking and industrial-company directorFrederick Dy’s documented career combines industrial directorships with a long period chairing Security Bank and a later chairman-emeritus role.Read biography1949–
Michael Fay
Merchant banker and sailing-campaign organiserMichael Fay combined merchant banking with the fundraising and organisation of New Zealand’s early America’s Cup challenges.Read biography1940–
Owen Glenn
Logistics entrepreneur and philanthropic donorOwen Glenn built a career in international freight logistics and later became a prominent donor to New Zealand educational and community institutions.Read biography1956–
Craig Heatley
Entrepreneur, broadcaster and philanthropic supporterCraig Heatley moved from leisure ventures into the financing and development of subscription television in New Zealand.Read biography
Birth date not established
Peter Leitch
Butchery entrepreneur and community fundraiserPeter Leitch developed a local butchery into the Mad Butcher brand and became a conspicuous supporter of community causes and rugby league.Read biography1962–
Theresa Gattung
Telecommunications executive and philanthropic founderTheresa Gattung rose through marketing and operational management to lead Telecom during a period of technological and regulatory change.Read biographyBirth date not established
Peter Maire
Electronics entrepreneur and technology investorPeter Maire developed Navman from a New Zealand electronics venture and later invested in several technology companies.Read biography1840–1931
Eiichi Shibusawa
Banker, industrial organizer and public-service advocateEiichi Shibusawa moved from his family’s indigo business through shogunal and government service into banking, company organization and social institutions.Read biography1622–1694
Takatoshi Mitsui
Merchant and organizer of the Echigoya businessTakatoshi Mitsui organized textile shops and procurement networks whose cash-sales practices became famous in Edo. His children and employees helped build the business.Read biography1887–1982
Michio Suzuki
Loom maker and manufacturing entrepreneurMichio Suzuki began with textile machinery in the Hamamatsu region. The business carrying his name later added auxiliary bicycle engines and small cars.Read biography1851–1916
Torakusu Yamaha
Instrument maker and manufacturing organizerTorakusu Yamaha moved from watch and medical-equipment repair into reed organs and pianos. His enterprise combined musical knowledge, imported components and local craftsmanship.Read biography1867–1941
Kaichiro Imaizumi
Metallurgical engineer, company organizer and legislatorKaichiro Imaizumi combined metallurgical engineering at Yawata with the creation of Nippon Kokan, professional cooperation and support for his hometown’s school.Read biography1873–1957
Ichizo Kobayashi
Railway, retail and entertainment organizerIchizo Kobayashi connected suburban railways with housing, shops and entertainment. His career also included government office, postwar exclusion and a return to film business.Read biography1907–1964
Joseph-Armand Bombardier
Inventor, mechanic and manufacturing entrepreneurJoseph-Armand Bombardier turned a Valcourt repair garage into a vehicle manufacturer, developing transport for snow and difficult terrain before the recreational Ski-Doo.Read biography1889–1971
Samuel Bronfman
Spirits-business organizer and community leaderSamuel Bronfman moved from western Canadian hotels and liquor trading into the Seagram group, combining international business with communal leadership and cultural patronage.Read biography1927–2018
Peter Munk
Entrepreneur in electronics, hotels, property and miningPeter Munk’s ventures moved from consumer electronics to hotels, property and gold mining. His later philanthropy supported university study and medicine.Read biography1930–2011
Wallace McCain
Food-manufacturing entrepreneur and company chairmanWallace McCain helped build a frozen-food business with his brothers and later chaired Maple Leaf Foods. His career also included family philanthropy and education.Read biography1927–2013
Paul Desmarais Sr.
Transport entrepreneur and holding-company organizerPaul Desmarais began with a family transport business and acquired control of Power Corporation in 1968. He led its development before transferring management to his sons.Read biography1864/1865–1924
George Weston
Baker, manufacturer and Toronto municipal politicianGeorge Weston built a Toronto bakery business that expanded into mechanized production, biscuits and company combinations. His son Garfield continued the enterprise after 1924.Read biography1943—
Cheng Heng Jem
Industrial organiser and former ACCCIM presidentCheng Heng Jem, also known as William Cheng, developed a family manufacturing enterprise into a regional group and served organised commerce.Read biography1947–2023
Chen Lip Keong
Medical graduate and founder of NagaCorpChen Lip Keong moved from medicine into business and established a Cambodia-based hospitality and gaming enterprise later listed in Hong Kong.Read biography20th century—
Wong Thean Soon
MYEG co-founder and digital-services entrepreneurWong Thean Soon co-founded MYEG after earlier communications-technology ventures; its history also includes distinct personal and corporate regulatory records.Read biography20th century—
Koon Poh Keong
Press Metal co-founder and aluminium-industry executiveKoon Poh Keong and four brothers built Press Metal from an extrusion business into an enterprise with smelting operations in Sarawak.Read biography1944–2023
G. Gnanalingam
Marketing executive and founder of WestportsG. Gnanalingam brought a marketing career into port operations after securing the Westports concession in 1994.Read biography20th century—
Liew Kee Sin
Property-development executive and former S P Setia CEOLiew Kee Sin moved from merchant banking into property development, led S P Setia and later joined EcoWorld’s board.Read biography
Business career from 1994
Sarath Ratanavadi
Engineer and Gulf business organiserSarath Ratanavadi built a career in Thai power projects before leading the Gulf businesses into telecommunications and digital infrastructure.Read biography1933–2026
Prasert Prasarttong-Osoth
Surgeon and healthcare and aviation founderPrasert Prasarttong-Osoth moved from surgery into aviation and private healthcare, building businesses whose development also attracted regulatory scrutiny.Read biographyBusiness career documented from 1981
Prateep Tangmatitham
Architect and Supalai founderPrateep Tangmatitham developed an architectural career in several countries before founding Supalai and applying design ideas to housing development.Read biography1962—
Somchai Lertsutiwong
Former AIS chief executive and telecommunications managerSomchai Lertsutiwong rose through wireless and marketing management to lead AIS from July 2014 until his retirement in November 2025.Read biographyDied 2020
Chanut Piyaoui
Dusit hotel founder and hospitality-education organiserChanut Piyaoui developed the Princess and Dusit Thani hotels and extended the business into hospitality and culinary education.Read biography1937—
Boonsithi Chokwatana
Saha business organiser and corporate adviserBoonsithi Chokwatana built a career across Saha-associated businesses, combining food-company governance, manufacturing partnerships and later advisory work.Read biographyCareer from 1969
Kuan Kam Hon
Hartalega founder and manufacturing organiserKuan Kam Hon moved from family construction work into manufacturing, founding Hartalega and helping organise its development in examination gloves.Read biographyCareer from the 1970s
Chia Song Kun
QL cofounder, former lecturer and business organiserChia Song Kun moved from mathematics and teaching into feed-material trading, helping build QL across livestock, marine products and related businesses.Read biographyPKT career from 1996
Michael Tio
Logistics manager and education-linked business organiserMichael Tio returned from the United Kingdom in 1996 to develop a family logistics business, later connecting its facilities and partnerships with education.Read biographyCareer from 1972
Michael Ng Kweng Chong
Engineer and Globetronics cofounderMichael Ng Kweng Chong moved from an international Intel career into founding Globetronics with Tan Chin Kong, developing specialist semiconductor services.Read biographyEnterprise from 1984
A. K. Nathan
Eversendai founder and structural-steel business organiserA. K. Nathan, also identified as Nathan Elumalay, built Eversendai around structural-steel work and expanded its engineering and fabrication capabilities.Read biographyCareer from the 1970s
Hock Tan
International technology manager and semiconductor executiveHock Tan’s career moved from Malaysian origins and American engineering education through finance and management into international semiconductor leadership.Read biography1961—
Olivia Lum
Hyflux founder and former chief executiveOlivia Lum built Hydrochem into Hyflux, linking chemistry and water-treatment projects before the company’s collapse and later disclosure proceedings.Read biographyLife dates not independently established
Kuok Khoon Hong
Wilmar co-founder and agribusiness executiveKuok Khoon Hong co-founded Wilmar with Martua Sitorus and helped develop a business spanning plantations, processing, trading and food manufacturing.Read biographyLife dates not independently established
Wong Ngit Liong
Venture executive and former NUS governing-board chairmanWong Ngit Liong combined an engineering and management career at HP and Venture with a long period overseeing governance changes at NUS.Read biographyLife dates not independently established
Wong Fong Fui
Boustead business leader and industrial entrepreneurWong Fong Fui moved from chemical engineering into business restructuring, later directing Boustead’s development around engineering and industrial property.Read biography1957—
Chua Sock Koong
Former Singtel Group chief executiveChua Sock Koong rose from Singtel’s treasury and finance functions to Group CEO, leading regional and digital businesses before a dated succession in 2021.Read biographyLife dates not independently established
Quek Siu Rui
Carousell co-founder and marketplace entrepreneurQuek Siu Rui co-founded Carousell with Marcus Tan and Lucas Ngoo, developing a mobile-classifieds idea into a regional marketplace and recommerce business.Read biography1920–2002
Cho Choong-hoon
Hanjin founder and transport entrepreneurCho Choong-hoon developed a trucking business into Hanjin’s land, sea and air transport network, while directing resources towards technical education.Read biography20th–21st century
Kim Jae-chul
Dongwon founder and fisheries entrepreneurKim Jae-chul moved from deep-sea fishing into food production and a diversified business group, later supporting education and AI research.Read biography1948—
Huh Chang-soo
Industrial executive and former GS group chairmanHuh Chang-soo worked through LG’s industrial businesses before leading GS, combining group coordination with construction and business-association roles.Read biography1952—
Kwon Oh-hyun
Semiconductor engineer and former Samsung chief executiveKwon Oh-hyun moved from semiconductor research into Samsung’s memory, System LSI and device leadership, later discussing engineering careers and leadership with students.Read biographyLate 20th–21st century
Park Hyeon-joo
Mirae Asset founder and financial-services entrepreneurPark Hyeon-joo helped establish Mirae Asset with colleagues from the securities industry, then developed a financial group with an international asset-management network.Read biography1975—
Yoon Song-yee
AI researcher, gaming executive and investorYoon Song-yee’s career connects research on interactive synthetic characters with personalised mobile services, game-company strategy and early-stage entrepreneurship.Read biographyBusiness career
Lee Oi Hian
Plantation and manufacturing executiveLee Oi Hian combined agricultural training with management experience as KLK expanded its plantations and oleochemical manufacturing.Read biographyBusiness career
Leong Hoy Kum
Manufacturing and property entrepreneurLeong Hoy Kum developed a career across plastics manufacturing and property, building separate management capabilities as Mah Sing diversified.Read biographyBusiness career
Lee Thiam Wah
Retail entrepreneurLee Thiam Wah built a grocery chain through successive organisational stages.Read biographyBusiness career
Yong Poh Kon
Engineering and manufacturing leaderYong Poh Kon brought engineering training to pewter manufacturing and later served in Malaysian industry and public institutions.Read biography1933–2026
Koon Yew Yin
Civil engineer and construction entrepreneurKoon Yew Yin moved from public engineering into consulting and construction, helping establish companies and later supporting students.Read biographyBusiness career
Tan Hooi Ling
Grab cofounder and former COOTan Hooi Ling combined engineering and consulting experience with the work of building Grab’s operations and technology leadership.Read biographyBorn 1951
Jim Ovia
Banker and Zenith Bank founderOvia founded Zenith Bank and later chaired its board.Read biographyCareer documented by 2009
Ibukun Awosika
Furniture entrepreneur and bank leaderAwosika built furniture businesses before becoming FirstBank’s first woman chair.Read biographyBorn 1954
Fola Adeola
Banker and FATE Foundation founderAdeola combined bank leadership with enterprise development and public service.Read biographyBorn 1966
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
Banker, investor and philanthropistAig-Imoukhuede led Access Bank and later chaired Access Holdings.Read biographyBorn 1961
Innocent Chukwuma
Manufacturer and Innoson founderChukwuma developed Innoson from trading into manufacturing businesses.Read biography
Born 1958
Cosmas Maduka
Industrialist and Coscharis founderMaduka developed Coscharis through trading, distribution and industrial ventures.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Jennifer Riria
Microfinance and development leaderJennifer Riria connected microfinance management with women’s economic participation.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Mary Okelo
Banker and education entrepreneurMary Okelo built a career across banking, women’s finance and private education.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Flora Mutahi
Manufacturing entrepreneur and business-association leaderFlora Mutahi entered manufacturing through salt and tea.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Rita Kavashe
Automotive business executiveRita Kavashe led an East African automotive business.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Jane Karuku
Consumer-goods and agribusiness executiveJane Karuku moved between food manufacturing, telecommunications and agricultural development.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Joshua Oigara
Banking and industrial-finance executiveJoshua Oigara’s career spans industrial finance and regional banking.Read biography
Born 1961
Michael O’Leary
Airline executiveO’Leary led Ryanair through its low-fare expansion.Read biographyBorn 1950
Dermot Desmond
Investor and company founderDesmond built investment businesses across several industries.Read biographyBorn 1942
Margaret Heffernan
Retail executiveHeffernan shared leadership of Dunnes Stores.Read biographyCareer documented from 1992
Siobhán Talbot
Nutrition-business executiveTalbot led Glanbia for a decade before its leadership transition.Read biography
Active since 2005
Patrick Collison
Stripe cofounder and CEOCollison cofounded Stripe with his brother John.Read biographyCareer documented since 1990
Louise Phelan
Business executivePhelan held operational and regional commercial roles at PayPal.Read biography1836–1925
Joseph Rowntree
Cocoa manufacturerEndowed institutions for housing and social reform.Read biography1850–1931
Jesse Boot
Retail manufacturerExpanded the family pharmacy business nationally.Read biography1803–1876
Titus Salt
Textile manufacturerOrganised textile production and built Saltaire.Read biography1885–1963
John Spedan Lewis
Retail reformerReworked profit sharing and control in retail.Read biography1808–1892
Thomas Cook
Travel organiserDeveloped organised excursions and international tours.Read biography
1950–
Richard Branson
Virgin founder, entrepreneur and adventurerRichard Branson is a British entrepreneur who developed Virgin from a mail-order record business into a brand used across travel, communications and other industries. His public persona combines promotion and adventure, while his business history includes partnerships, sales, financial setbacks and scrutiny.Read biography
1947–
James Dyson
Design engineer, inventor and Dyson founderJames Dyson is a British design engineer and entrepreneur whose work on bagless vacuum cleaners led to an international technology business. His career runs from art and design education through early product ventures, licensing, manufacturing and engineering education, with commercial failures alongside major successes.Read biography
1801–1889
John Cadbury
Tea dealer, cocoa manufacturer and Quaker reformerJohn Cadbury founded a Birmingham grocery in 1824 and developed cocoa manufacturing before retiring in 1861. His Quaker faith informed civic and temperance work; sons Richard and George later transformed the struggling family business and developed Bournville.Read biography
1730–1795
Josiah Wedgwood
Potter, industrial entrepreneur and abolition campaignerJosiah Wedgwood was an English potter who joined systematic material experiments to factory organization, fashionable design and international marketing. His company’s ceramics and abolition medallions made him influential, while his business also operated within a consumer economy connected to slavery.Read biography
1848/1850–1931
Thomas Lipton
Scottish grocer, tea merchant and yachtsmanThomas Lipton built a grocery chain from Glasgow and became an international tea merchant. Publicity and direct purchasing supported his expansion, while Ceylon estates tied the business to colonial plantation labour. Five unsuccessful America’s Cup campaigns made him a sporting celebrity.Read biography
1930–2023
Mary Quant
Fashion designer and co-founder of the Bazaar boutique businessMary Quant co-founded Bazaar in London in 1955 with Alexander Plunket Greene and Archie McNair. She popularised youthful clothes and short hemlines, then reached wider markets through Ginger Group, hosiery and cosmetics. Her business relied on partners and manufacturers as well as design.Read biography
1851–1925
William Hesketh Lever
Soap manufacturer, co-founder of Lever Brothers and founder of Port SunlightWilliam Hesketh Lever developed Sunlight soap and co-founded Lever Brothers with his brother James. Port Sunlight combined housing and amenities with a business strategy of worker loyalty. The company’s Congo operations involved forced labour, complicating his reputation for philanthropy.Read biography
1806–1859
Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Consulting civil engineer for railway, bridge, dock and steamship enterprisesIsambard Kingdom Brunel ran an engineering practice serving railway and maritime companies. As the Great Western Railway’s engineer, he helped connect London and Bristol in 1841. His ships and structures combined technical ambition with financial risk and depended on investors, contractors and workers.Read biography
1947–
Alan Sugar
Amstrad founder, property investor, television businessman and life peerAlan Sugar founded Amstrad in 1968 and built it around affordable consumer electronics. Its CPC and PCW computers extended that approach into homes and offices. His later career spans satellite equipment, property, Tottenham Hotspur, television and enterprise advice.Read biography
1973–
Martha Lane Fox
Lastminute.com co-founder, digital-inclusion campaigner and life peerMartha Lane Fox co-founded Lastminute.com in 1998, before its highly publicized 2000 flotation. Her later work moved into digital inclusion, government services, charity and Parliament. She helped make access and public accountability central questions in Britain’s digital development.Read biography
1877–1910
Charles Rolls
Motor dealer, engineer, racing driver, aviator and Rolls-Royce co-founderCharles Rolls brought engineering knowledge, a motor dealership and influential connections to his partnership with Henry Royce. Their 1904 meeting preceded the company’s 1906 formation. He also raced cars, flew balloons and aircraft, and died in a flying accident in 1910.Read biography
1863–1933
Henry Royce
Electrical and mechanical engineer, manufacturer and Rolls-Royce co-founderHenry Royce built an electrical-engineering business before making his first cars. His 1904 partnership with Charles Rolls joined manufacturing with a sales network. He led an exacting design practice whose later work included the 40/50-horsepower car and aero engines.Read biography
1959–
Deborah Meaden
Entrepreneur, investor, broadcaster and environmental campaignerDeborah Meaden built her business career in retail and leisure before leading a management buyout at Weststar Holidays. She joined Dragons’ Den in 2006, invested with Douglas Cordeaux in Fox Brothers, and made environmental responsibility a recurring part of her public work.Read biography
1940–2021
Clive Sinclair
Electronics entrepreneur, inventor and personal-transport developerClive Sinclair pursued small, affordable electronic products through calculators, televisions and computers. The ZX Spectrum became a landmark of British home computing. Product failures and financial pressure also shaped his career, which later concentrated on personal transport.Read biography
1781–1848
George Stephenson
Colliery engineer, railway engineer and locomotive manufacturerGeorge Stephenson moved from colliery work into engineering, locomotive manufacture and major railway construction. His work on the Stockton and Darlington and Liverpool and Manchester railways helped establish steam transport as a commercial system.Read biography
1728–1809
Matthew Boulton
Metalware manufacturer, steam-engine entrepreneur and mint proprietorMatthew Boulton developed Birmingham metalware manufacturing before partnering with James Watt in 1775. He supplied capital, commercial organization and customers for steam engines, while his Soho Mint used industrial machinery to produce coinage.Read biography
1736–1819
James Watt
Engineer, instrument maker and steam-power entrepreneurJames Watt made existing steam-engine technology substantially more efficient and helped turn it into an industrial business. His achievements depended on scientific exchange, skilled collaborators and Matthew Boulton’s commercial organisation; his life also had documented connections to slavery.Read biography
1732–1792
Richard Arkwright
Cotton manufacturer and factory organiserRichard Arkwright combined spinning machinery, water power, finance and supervised labour in an influential factory system. His mills transformed cotton manufacturing, while disputed patents, child labour and global cotton supplies complicate the image of a solitary self-made inventor.Read biography
1834–1896
William Morris
Designer, manufacturer, writer and socialistWilliam Morris built a furnishing business around pattern, skilled craftsmanship and revived techniques. A poet, printer and socialist as well as an employer, he questioned industrial capitalism while selling labour-intensive products that often depended on wealthy customers.Read biography
1771–1858
Robert Owen
Cotton manufacturer, social reformer and co-operative thinkerRobert Owen used success in cotton manufacturing to argue that people’s characters were shaped by their surroundings. At New Lanark he combined commercial management, education and welfare with close social supervision; later co-operative experiments exposed the limits of his model.Read biography
1839–1922
George Cadbury
Chocolate manufacturer, housing reformer and philanthropistGeorge Cadbury helped turn a struggling family cocoa firm into a major manufacturer and used its wealth for housing, education and social reform. Bournville’s benefits coexist with employer paternalism and the company’s delayed withdrawal from cocoa produced through coerced African labour.Read biography
1803–1887
Joseph Whitworth
Machine-tool manufacturer, engineer and philanthropistJoseph Whitworth built a Manchester engineering business around accurate surfaces, measurement and machine tools. His screw-thread system made repair and interchangeability easier, while firearms, steelmaking and education formed other important parts of a career dependent on workshop skill.Read biography
1810–1900
William George Armstrong
Engineer, hydraulic-machinery manufacturer and industrialistWilliam George Armstrong moved from law into hydraulic engineering, then built an international manufacturing business on Tyneside. Cranes, accumulators, guns and warships generated wealth that supported scientific experiments and public gifts, while tying his legacy to the global arms trade.Read biography
1757–1834
Thomas Telford
Civil engineer, surveyor and infrastructure organiserThomas Telford rose from stonemasonry to direct major roads, canals and bridges across Britain. His work joined design, surveying, public finance and construction management, relying on resident engineers, contractors and labourers as well as his own practical judgement.Read biography
1803–1859
Robert Stephenson
Locomotive manufacturer and civil engineerRobert Stephenson helped turn railway engineering into a large manufacturing and construction enterprise. George Stephenson’s son, he directed locomotive production, led major railway works and designed ambitious bridges, while the fatal Dee bridge collapse exposed the consequences of structural failure.Read biography
1866–1941
Herbert Austin
Engineer and founder of the Austin Motor CompanyHerbert Austin moved from engineering and sheep-shearing machinery in Australia to motor manufacturing in England. He founded the Austin Motor Company in 1905, led its wartime expansion and supported a small-car strategy after the postwar crisis, working with designer Stanley Edge on the Seven.Read biography
1813–1898
Henry Bessemer
Inventor, steel manufacturer and patent entrepreneurHenry Bessemer developed an air-blown method for converting molten pig iron and helped make bulk steel commercially practical. His 1856 announcement preceded serious failures, further experiments and a Sheffield business; his success also involved disputes over patents and other metallurgists’ contributions.Read biography
1853–1936
Henry Wellcome
American-born pharmaceutical entrepreneur and collectorHenry Wellcome built a pharmaceutical business in London with Silas Burroughs, supported research laboratories and assembled enormous medical collections. Born in the United States, he became a British subject in 1910. His bequest created a research trust, while his business and collecting remain bound to imperial power.Read biography
1771–1833
Richard Trevithick
Cornish engineer and high-pressure steam pioneerRichard Trevithick developed compact high-pressure steam engines for mines, roads and railways. His Penydarren locomotive demonstrated steam haulage in 1804, but weak track, uncertain backing and difficult ventures prevented him from building a durable railway business.Read biography
1768–1838
Charles Tennant
Bleaching-powder manufacturer and chemical entrepreneurCharles Tennant moved from textiles and bleaching into industrial chemical manufacture. His bleaching-powder patent and the St Rollox works helped supply a growing textile economy, building on earlier chlorine chemistry and the work of partners including Charles Macintosh.Read biography
1839–1904
Jamsetji Tata
Industrialist, Tata founder and educational benefactorJamsetji Tata was an Indian industrialist who moved from international trading into textile manufacturing and developed projects in steel, electricity and scientific education. Several of his best-known ambitions became operating institutions after his death, through the work of his successors and many other participants.Read biography
1946–
N. R. Narayana Murthy
Infosys co-founder and former chief executiveN. R. Narayana Murthy is an Indian engineer and entrepreneur who co-founded Infosys with six colleagues in 1981. He served as chief executive until 2002 and later held chairmanship roles. His career also includes education, investment and public debate about work and economic development.Read biography
1937–2024
Ratan Tata
Tata chairman, industrialist and philanthropic trusteeRatan Naval Tata was an Indian business leader who reshaped the Tata group through consolidation, overseas acquisitions and new products. His career also encompassed setbacks, a disputed succession and long service as a philanthropic trustee.Read biography
1945–present
Azim Premji
Wipro business leader and founder of Azim Premji FoundationAzim Premji is an Indian business leader who took over his father’s vegetable-oil enterprise in 1966 and guided Wipro’s growth into technology. He established Azim Premji Foundation in 2001 and committed substantial economic interests to its endowment.Read biography
1945–present
Shiv Nadar
HCL founder and educational philanthropistShiv Nadar is an Indian business leader who founded HCL with colleagues in 1976 and helped develop its hardware and technology-services businesses. Through a separate foundation, he also supported educational institutions ranging from schools to universities.Read biography
1957–present
Mukesh Ambani
Reliance Industries chairman and managing directorMukesh Ambani is an Indian business leader who expanded the enterprise founded by his father Dhirubhai into integrated industrial operations and large consumer businesses. His career spans engineering projects, a family-business division and an ongoing succession process.Read biography
1953–present
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Biocon founder and executive chairpersonKiran Mazumdar-Shaw is an Indian biotechnology entrepreneur who established Biocon India with an Irish partner in 1978. Her career spans fermentation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biosimilars, international partnerships and healthcare philanthropy.Read biography
1942–present
Anu Aga
Former Thermax chairperson and education philanthropistAnu Aga is an Indian businesswoman and social worker who chaired Thermax from 1996 to 2004. After leading a difficult restructuring, she left executive control to professional managers and concentrated increasingly on education and civic responsibility.Read biography
1981–present
Roshni Nadar Malhotra
HCLTech non-executive chairperson and philanthropic trusteeRoshni Nadar Malhotra is an Indian business leader who became HCLTech chairperson in July 2020. Her career combines promoter-family responsibilities, non-executive governance, educational philanthropy and conservation work.Read biography
1955–present
Anand Mahindra
Mahindra business leader and non-executive chairmanAnand Mahindra is an Indian business leader who joined Mahindra Ugine Steel in 1981 and later led Mahindra & Mahindra. His career includes product-development investment, diversification, acquisitions, setbacks and a transition to non-executive chairmanship.Read biography
1955–present
Nandan Nilekani
Infosys co-founder, non-executive chairman and former UIDAI chairmanNandan Nilekani is an Indian technology entrepreneur who co-founded Infosys in 1981 and chaired UIDAI from 2009 to 2014. He returned as Infosys’s non-executive chairman in 2017 and has supported education and public digital infrastructure.Read biography
1944–present
Deepak Parekh
Former HDFC Limited chairman and financial-sector board leaderDeepak Parekh is an Indian financial leader who joined HDFC Limited in 1978 and chaired it from 1993 until its 2023 merger with HDFC Bank. His later non-executive roles are distinct from that former mortgage-company office.Read biography
1959–present
Uday Kotak
Kotak Mahindra founder and non-executive bank directorUday Kotak built a financial-services business from the 1980s and led its conversion into a bank after the 2003 banking licence. He left the managing-director and CEO office in September 2023 and continues as a non-executive director in the reviewed board record.Read biography
1951–present
Harsh Mariwala
Marico founder and non-executive chairmanHarsh Mariwala developed consumer brands within Bombay Oil Industries before establishing Marico as a separate operating business in 1990. His work involved packaging, distribution, professional management and later international expansion. He continues as chairman after handing executive management to Saugata Gupta in 2014.Read biography
1957–present
Naina Lal Kidwai
Banker, corporate director and India Sanitation Coalition co-founderNaina Lal Kidwai worked in investment and retail banking before becoming a senior HSBC leader in India. She was FICCI’s first woman president and later helped establish the India Sanitation Coalition. Her subsequent work spans corporate boards, finance and partnerships for sustainable sanitation.Read biography
1962–present
Gautam Adani
Adani Group founder and chairmanGautam Adani founded Adani Exports in 1988 and built businesses connecting commodity trading with ports, logistics and energy. Mundra became an important base for this expansion. His career also involves disputed environmental impacts, market scrutiny and distinct Indian and US legal proceedings.Read biography
1957–present
Sunil Bharti Mittal
Bharti Enterprises founder and chairmanSunil Bharti Mittal began in bicycle components and trading before moving into telephone equipment and mobile services. He founded Bharti Enterprises and helped build Airtel through licences, technical partnerships and professional management, later extending its operations across African markets.Read biography
1952–present
Venu Srinivasan
TVS Motor chairman emeritus and industrial leaderVenu Srinivasan led Sundaram-Clayton and the development of TVS Motor over several decades. His career combines family-business succession with engineering, quality management and product development. He remains chairman emeritus in the reviewed TVS board record, alongside separate chair, managing-director and CEO offices.Read biography
1954–present
Pawan Munjal
Hero MotoCorp executive chairmanPawan Munjal developed his career within the Hero manufacturing businesses and became a senior leader of Hero Honda. He helped negotiate the Honda separation announced in 2010 and the transition to Hero MotoCorp in 2011. He became chairman in 2015 and is executive chairman in the reviewed company record.Read biography
1949–present
Baba Kalyani
Bharat Forge chairman and managing directorBaba Kalyani joined Bharat Forge in 1972 after engineering studies at BITS Pilani and MIT. He helped develop the company from a domestic forging business into an international supplier through production technology, exports and acquisitions, including the German CDP operations in 2004.Read biography
1953–present
Pankaj Patel
Zydus Lifesciences non-executive chairmanPankaj Patel trained in pharmacy and joined the family pharmaceutical business in 1976. After the 1995 Cadila separation, he developed the Zydus group through management, manufacturing, research and international business. The listed Cadila Healthcare company became Zydus Lifesciences in 2022.Read biography
1978–present
Vijay Shekhar Sharma
One97 Communications founder, chairman, managing director and CEOVijay Shekhar Sharma founded One97 Communications in 2000 and developed Paytm from mobile recharge into consumer and merchant payments. His career spans software entrepreneurship, a 2021 public listing and regulatory disruption involving the separate Paytm Payments Bank, whose licence was cancelled in 2026.Read biography
1955–present
Vinita Bali
Business executive, former Britannia managing director and corporate directorVinita Bali worked at Voltas, Cadbury and Coca-Cola before leading Britannia from 2005 to 2014. Her career combines international consumer marketing, operational management and later board service. At Britannia she supported product development, institutional partnerships and the nutrition foundation established in 2009.Read biography
1959–present
Mallika Srinivasan
TAFE chairman and managing directorMallika Srinivasan joined TAFE in 1986 after studying at Wharton. She developed its products, production systems and wider business, including the Eicher tractor acquisition. Her later leadership included TAFE’s 2025 settlement with AGCO over shareholdings, commercial arrangements and territorial Massey Ferguson rights.Read biography
1967–present
Kumar Mangalam Birla
Aditya Birla Group chairmanKumar Mangalam Birla became chairman of the Aditya Birla Group in 1995 after his father’s death. Trained in commerce, accountancy and management, he reorganised businesses and pursued acquisitions, including Hindalco’s purchase of Novelis in 2007. His career connects family succession with professional management, industrial finance and governance.Read biography
1981–present
Adar Poonawalla
Serum Institute of India chief executiveAdar Poonawalla joined the Serum Institute of India in 2001 and became chief executive in 2011. His father Cyrus founded the company in 1966. Adar’s work has centred on manufacturing, international supply and partnerships, including the production of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine as Covishield during the pandemic.Read biography
1961–present
Sanjiv Goenka
RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group chairmanSanjiv Goenka developed businesses inherited through the RPG family enterprise and became chairman of the separately named RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group in 2011. His interests span electricity, services, consumer businesses, music and sports. CESC’s restructuring shows how his portfolio strategy interacted with regulation and minority shareholders.Read biography
1962–present
Sangita Reddy
Apollo Hospitals joint managing directorSangita Reddy joined Apollo in 1983 as a management trainee and later worked in hospital operations, human resources and technology. She became joint managing director in 2014. A member of the founding family, she developed operating systems within a hospital group founded by her father Prathap C. Reddy.Read biography
Living
Vani Kola
Kalaari Capital managing directorVani Kola trained in electrical engineering and built software companies in the United States before moving into venture investment in India. She helped establish IndoUS Venture Partners in 2006. The organisation became Kalaari Capital in 2012, where her work combines investment decisions, board participation and support for founders.Read biography
1932–present
Prathap C. Reddy
Apollo Hospitals founder and executive chairmanPrathap C. Reddy trained as a doctor, worked abroad and returned to India before establishing Apollo Hospitals in Chennai in 1983. His career centred on bringing medical staff, equipment, finance and management into a corporate hospital organisation. Later services expanded into pharmacies, diagnostics, training and telemedicine.Read biography
1961–present
Mike Lazaridis
RIM co-founder, former co-CEO and quantum-research benefactorMike Lazaridis is a Canadian technology entrepreneur who co-founded Research In Motion in 1984 and helped develop the BlackBerry mobile-email business. After leaving its executive leadership, he continued financing fundamental physics and the commercialization of quantum technologies in Waterloo.Read biography
1961–present
Jim Balsillie
Former RIM co-CEO, investor and public-policy institution founderJim Balsillie is a business executive and institution founder who joined Research In Motion in 1992 and shared its leadership with Mike Lazaridis until 2012. His later activities include investment, support for international-affairs research and advocacy on intellectual property and the digital economy.Read biography
1950–present
Prem Watsa
Fairfax Financial founder, chairman and chief executive officerPrem Watsa is the founder of Fairfax Financial, a Canadian insurance and investment holding company developed from the 1985 acquisition of control of Markel Financial. His career connects an engineering education in India, investment work in Canada and an international network of insurance businesses.Read biography
1940–2021
Galen Weston Sr.
Retail executive and former George Weston chairmanGalen Weston Sr. was a Canadian retail executive who returned from Ireland to lead Loblaw’s restructuring in 1972. A third-generation member of the Weston business family, he worked with managers and designers to rebuild the grocery chain and later chaired George Weston Limited.Read biography
1956–present
Arlene Dickinson
Entrepreneur, marketing executive and consumer-goods investorArlene Dickinson is a Canadian entrepreneur and investor whose career began in marketing before expanding into television and consumer-goods finance. She joined Venture Communications in 1988, became its sole owner in 1998 and later founded District Ventures initiatives supporting emerging consumer brands.Read biography
1985–present
Michele Romanow
Entrepreneur, Clearco co-founder and Dragons’ Den investorMichele Romanow is a Canadian entrepreneur whose ventures include SnapSaves and Clearbanc, later renamed Clearco. A Queen’s engineering and MBA graduate, she joined Dragons’ Den in 2015 and later served as Clearco CEO before its 2023 leadership change and restructuring.Read biography
Living
Tobias Lütke
Shopify co-founder and chief executive officerTobias Lütke is a software developer and Shopify co-founder whose Canadian business began with an online snowboard shop in 2004. The platform launched in 2006; he moved from chief technology officer to CEO in 2008 and led the company through its 2015 public offering and later strategic reversals.Read biography
1928–present
Jim Pattison
Jim Pattison Group founder, chairman and CEOJim Pattison is a Vancouver-based entrepreneur who began his business group with a General Motors dealership in 1961. Acquisitions subsequently extended its interests into food, broadcasting, signs, entertainment and other industries. He also led Expo 86 and became a major supporter of hospitals and community institutions.Read biography
1948–present
Heather Reisman
Indigo founder and chief executive officerHeather Reisman is a Canadian entrepreneur who founded Indigo in the 1990s after careers in social work, consulting and beverages. Its 2001 combination with Chapters created a national bookselling group. She later helped develop Kobo and returned as Indigo CEO in 2023 after a brief retirement.Read biography
1973–present
Stewart Butterfield
Flickr and Slack co-founder; former Slack CEOStewart Butterfield is a Canadian entrepreneur who co-founded Flickr and Slack. A philosophy graduate, he first pursued online games, then helped turn associated tools into widely used services. Slack’s growth led to a public listing and Salesforce acquisition before he left its CEO role in January 2023.Read biography
1931–present
Isadore Sharp
Four Seasons founder and chairman emeritusIsadore Sharp is a Canadian hotelier who founded Four Seasons in 1960 and opened its first Toronto hotel in 1961. Trained in architectural technology, he developed a service-focused hotel management business and supported the annual Terry Fox Run. He became chairman emeritus in May 2026.Read biography
1949–present
Alain Bouchard
Couche-Tard co-founder and executive chairmanAlain Bouchard is the Quebec entrepreneur who opened a convenience store in 1980 and helped build Alimentation Couche-Tard. Expansion depended on partners, acquisitions and local retail operations. He became executive chairman in 2014, and remained involved when its proposed Seven & i takeover ended in 2025.Read biography
1956–present
Annette Verschuren
NRStor founder and chair; former Home Depot Canada presidentAnnette Verschuren is a Canadian business executive whose career moved from Cape Breton economic development to Michaels, Home Depot Canada and energy-storage developer NRStor. Her record includes retail expansion and major storage partnerships, alongside a 2024 conflict-of-interest finding concerning her former SDTC chairmanship.Read biography
1954–present
Kevin O’Leary
Software entrepreneur, investor and television personalityKevin O’Leary is a Canadian entrepreneur and television investor whose software career began with SoftKey in Toronto in 1986. The later Learning Company was acquired by Mattel in 1999 and performed poorly after the deal. Television expanded his profile, while his paid FTX promotion brought renewed scrutiny after the exchange collapsed.Read biography
1966–present
Linda Hasenfratz
Linamar executive chair and former chief executiveLinda Hasenfratz is a manufacturing executive who joined her father’s Linamar business in 1990, worked through operating roles and became CEO in 2002. Her tenure encompassed international expansion and diversification. Since August 2024 she has focused on the executive chair role, with Jim Jarrell serving as CEO and president.Read biography
1834–1907
Timothy Eaton
Merchant and founder of the Eaton’s retail businessTimothy Eaton was an Irish-born merchant who developed a Toronto retail business after buying a Yonge Street dry-goods store in 1869. Fixed prices, cash sales, returns and mail-order catalogues helped it reach a wider market. His business expanded into a department store, combining consumer access with strong employer authority and resistance to unions.Read biography
1763–1836
John Molson
Brewer, steamship investor, banker and colonial politicianJohn Molson was an English-born Montréal entrepreneur whose brewery supplied the capital for investments in steamships, property and financial institutions. He also served in Lower Canada’s legislature. His life ended before the opening of the railway in which he had become a major investor, and before later generations expanded the family business.Read biography
1829–1921
George Stephen
Financier, banker and first Canadian Pacific Railway presidentGeorge Stephen built a Montréal career in textiles and finance before becoming the Canadian Pacific Railway’s first president in 1881. Public support and private borrowing sustained the difficult construction period. He left the presidency in 1888, settled in England, became Baron Mount Stephen and directed substantial gifts to hospitals.Read biography
1962–
Robert Herjavec
Technology entrepreneur, investor and television personalityRobert Herjavec built a Canadian technology career before becoming a familiar television investor. He sold BRAK Systems to AT&T Canada, co-founded Herjavec Group and led the combined business later branded Cyderes. He left its chief executive role in 2024 while retaining a board and investment relationship.Read biography
1959–
Guy Laliberté
Cirque du Soleil co-founder, entertainment entrepreneur and One Drop founderGuy Laliberté moved from street performance into the financing and international development of Cirque du Soleil. Its 1984 beginning involved fellow organizers, artists and Québec public support. He later reduced his ownership, established the One Drop Foundation and pursued other entertainment and investment projects through Lune Rouge.Read biography
Contemporary
Garrett Camp
Software entrepreneur, Uber co-founder and Expa founderGarrett Camp developed StumbleUpon while studying in Calgary, later helped create Uber and founded Expa. His career connects recommendation software, app-based transport and a studio approach to building companies. His product and board responsibilities were distinct from the chief executive roles held by other Uber leaders.Read biography
Contemporary
Ryan Holmes
Hootsuite co-founder, technology executive and early-stage investorRyan Holmes moved from paintball and pizza businesses into web development and co-founded Hootsuite with David Tedman and Dario Meli. He handed its CEO role to Tom Keiser in July 2020 and returned on an interim basis in April 2026. Hootsuite’s leadership page lists him as CEO and Founder as of October 2026.Read biography
Contemporary
Harley Finkelstein
Shopify president, entrepreneur and investorHarley Finkelstein began with small DJ and clothing businesses before training in law and business and joining Shopify in 2010. He became its chief operating officer and then president, a role centred on commercial growth and external affairs. His career also includes investing, a tea company, broadcasting governance and community work.Read biography
1961–present
Pierre Karl Péladeau
Quebecor executive, media owner and former Parti Québécois leaderPierre Karl Péladeau joined the business founded by his father and led Quebecor’s shift towards cable, telecommunications and broadcasting. His career includes printing setbacks, labour disputes, a period leading the Parti Québécois and a return to executive office. He also acquired the Montreal Alouettes personally and supported cultural institutions.Read biography
Contemporary
Aldo Bensadoun
ALDO founder and retail philanthropistAldo Bensadoun studied in France, the United States and Montréal before entering footwear through marketing research. His 1972 Le Château concession grew into ALDO, an international retail and wholesale group. His later life includes educational philanthropy, family succession and the difficult restructuring of the company he founded.Read biography
Born 1965
Bruce Flatt
Brookfield Corporation CEO and asset-manager chairBruce Flatt grew up in Winnipeg, trained in accounting and joined Brascan in 1990. Property restructuring helped shape his career before he became group CEO in 2002. His later record spans global funds, the separate Brookfield asset-manager listing, property-market difficulties and a 2026 succession at the manager.Read biography
Born 1927
Jean Coutu
Pharmacist and Jean Coutu Group founderJean Coutu trained as a pharmacist and gained retail experience before opening the Montréal discount shop associated with his name in 1969. Franchising and acquisitions built a wider business, followed by family management, US transactions and the 2018 sale to METRO. His career also includes charitable work and support for university pharmacy education.Read biography
Born 1955
Hélène Desmarais
CEIM founder and business-institution leaderHélène Desmarais developed a career around institutions supporting entrepreneurs, education and applied technology. She helped establish CEIM in 1996, became the first woman to chair HEC Montréal’s board in 2003 and was a founding leader of the Canadian SCALE AI consortium. Her work also brings public-funding and governance responsibilities into view.Read biography
Born 1965
Jeff Skoll
eBay’s first president and Participant founderJeff Skoll combined engineering and business training with an early leadership role at eBay. The wealth created by its public listing helped support a later career in philanthropy, investing and film. He established the Skoll Foundation in 1999 and Participant in 2004; the film company announced its wind-down in April 2024.Read biography
Born 1976
Dax Dasilva
Lightspeed founder and conservation philanthropistDax Dasilva founded Lightspeed in Montréal in 2005 after developing software for businesses. Its merchant tools expanded across retail and restaurants, and the company listed in Toronto in 2019. He also established the cultural organization Never Apart and the conservation initiative Age of Union, returning to Lightspeed’s CEO role in 2024 after serving as executive chair.Read biography
Born 1961
Andrew Forrest
Fortescue founder and executive chairmanAndrew Forrest built his public career through mining finance and Fortescue, which began in 2003 and loaded its first commercial iron ore shipment in 2008. Earlier setbacks at Anaconda Nickel, disclosure litigation, later native title compensation proceedings and ambitious environmental commitments complicate a simple business-success story. He co-founded Minderoo Foundation with Nicola Forrest.Read biography
Born 1930
Frank Lowy
Westfield co-founder and Lowy Institute founderFrank Lowy survived persecution in wartime Europe and arrived in Sydney in 1952. With John Saunders he developed Westfield from suburban retail property into an international business. Its 2014 restructure, debated by outside investors, separated Australian and New Zealand operations from the international portfolio. His later public roles included founding the Lowy Institute and leading football administration.Read biography
Born 1944
Dick Smith
Electronics entrepreneur, publisher and aviatorDick Smith turned a Sydney car-radio business into an electronics chain, then sold it and pursued publishing, aviation and food branding. His public persona connected technical enthusiasm with Australian identity. The later collapse of the retailer bearing his name occurred decades after his exit; the winding down of his separate food venture in 2018 raised different questions about price, suppliers and consumer loyalty.Read biography
Born 1954
Clive Palmer
Mining entrepreneur and former federal MPClive Palmer’s business career centres on mineral rights, royalties and ownership of resource companies. Mineralogy’s relationship with the Sino Iron project differs from direct operation of a mine; the Yabulu refinery involved separate asset-owning and operating entities. Queensland Nickel’s 2016 failure and later creditor recoveries are material to his record, alongside parliamentary service and distinct legal proceedings.Read biography
1777–1855
Mary Reibey
Colonial merchant, shipowner and property investorMary Reibey was transported to New South Wales as a young convict and later became a merchant with shipping and property interests. She helped manage the family business before her husband’s death in 1811, then assumed wider control and expanded it. Surviving business and government records reveal experience, inheritance, disputes and colonial institutions behind the familiar success story.Read biography
Born 1982
Ruslan Kogan
Kogan.com founder and chief executiveRuslan Kogan founded an online consumer-electronics business in 2006 after studying business systems and working in technology and consulting. Its growth involved David Shafer, a widening product range, acquired digital brands and a public listing. Pricing and unsubscribe enforcement are material to the company’s history, alongside the founder’s account of migration and commercial opportunity.Read biography
1865–1926
Hugh Victor McKay
Agricultural-machinery manufacturer and industrial employerHugh Victor McKay built a large agricultural-machinery enterprise from collaborative farm experiments, contracted manufacturing, finance and export sales. Sunshine became the name of a machine, a factory and a Melbourne suburb. His industrial achievement is inseparable from wage disputes, resistance to unions and the 1907 Harvester case; he was not the sole inventor of combined harvesting.Read biography
1898–1986
Laurence Hartnett
Automotive executive and wartime production administratorLaurence Hartnett brought international motor-industry experience to General Motors-Holden in 1934 and helped develop Australian manufacturing capacity. He also held wartime production responsibilities. His advocacy helped the locally made Holden project, but conflict with General Motors removed him before the 1948 launch. Later independent car-making showed the constraints of capital and supply.Read biography
Contemporary
Naomi Simson
Experience-commerce entrepreneur and board directorNaomi Simson developed a marketing career into an online experience-gifting business, then helped place that business within a multi-brand group. RedBalloon, Big Red Group and her public identity as a television investor are connected but not interchangeable. Her career also includes a difficult governance transition and a corporate surcharge-enforcement episode, alongside later non-executive work.Read biography
Contemporary
Mark Bouris
Mortgage-industry entrepreneur and executive chairmanMark Bouris built his business identity around mortgage distribution and the Wizard brand, which became part of GE before a later sale of its network to Aussie. He subsequently established Yellow Brick Road and developed a media and mentoring platform. His career illustrates the interaction between a public founder, funding partners, independently run outlets and corporate compliance obligations.Read biography
Contemporary
David Thodey
Technology executive, non-executive chair and university chancellorDavid Thodey’s career connects international technology sales with the management of a former national telecommunications monopoly. At Telstra he faced government negotiations, competitive reform and customer-service problems, rather than simply a choice of new products. After executive leadership he moved into research oversight, public-service reviews, company boards and university governance.Read biography
Born 1960
Anthony Pratt
Recycled-paper and packaging industrialistAnthony Pratt developed an international manufacturing career within an established family enterprise, leading American expansion before taking charge at Visy in 2009. His businesses connect recovered paper, industrial processing and packaging customers. Capital investment, inherited corporate responsibilities and highly visible political relationships all belong in that account; he was not the original founder of Visy.Read biography
Contemporary
Jennifer Westacott
Business-policy advocate, non-executive director and university chancellorJennifer Westacott moved from housing and government administration into consulting, business advocacy and institutional governance. Her twelve years leading the Business Council of Australia placed her at the centre of disputes over carbon pricing, taxation and investment. Later roles involve overseeing institutions and development, rather than founding the companies she represented.Read biography
c. 1870–1965
Helena Rubinstein
Cosmetics entrepreneur, manufacturer and art patronHelena Rubinstein’s international cosmetics enterprise began in Melbourne, where products, personal consultation and carefully cultivated prestige became a business model. Expansion abroad brought manufacturing, retail distribution and art patronage onto a much larger stage. Her commercial skill belongs alongside scrutiny of the scientific-sounding claims and origin stories used to sell beauty.Read biography
Contemporary
Carol Schwartz
Entrepreneur, investor, non-executive director and philanthropistCarol Schwartz moved from law and a small fitness business into property, investment and institutional boards. She subsequently helped build organisations intended to widen women’s access to capital and public leadership. Her career also illustrates the accountability carried by a non-executive chair when a corporate group faces contested questions about its duties to customers.Read biography
Contemporary
Simon Hackett
Internet entrepreneur, technology investor and energy-software developerSimon Hackett helped develop South Australian internet connectivity before establishing Internode in 1991. The company’s sale to iiNet moved his work towards boards, investment and new ventures. Later involvement with Redflow exposed the financial and manufacturing risks of moving from software and networks into physical energy technology.Read biography
1966–
Alan Joyce
Airline executive and former Qantas Group chief executiveAlan Joyce brought an operations-research background into airline planning before leading Jetstar and then Qantas. His tenure combined low-cost competition, international network changes and expansion of nonstop flying with bitter industrial disputes. Later court outcomes and a governance review made customer treatment, workforce rights and executive accountability central to its assessment.Read biography
1847–1923
Edmund Resch
Brewer and beverage manufacturerEdmund Resch moved from mining and hotelkeeping into regional beverage production before building a larger Sydney brewing enterprise. Acquisitions, family property and technical knowledge all contributed to its growth. His later internment exposes the limits of commercial standing and public service as protection against wartime hostility to German-born residents.Read biography
1946–
Tony Wheeler
Travel writer, publishing co-founder and philanthropistTony Wheeler connected engineering and management training with an enthusiasm for travel. A small Sydney guidebook became the beginning of an international publishing business, developed with Maureen Wheeler and a widening circle of colleagues. Its influence, later ownership changes and the founders’ philanthropy reveal several different measures of a publishing career.Read biography
Contemporary
Maureen Wheeler
Publishing co-founder, business organiser and philanthropistMaureen Wheeler’s contribution to Lonely Planet extended from constructing and selling its first books to managing the demands of a growing organisation. Her social-work education informed her approach to people, while later philanthropy applied her resources to institutions and locally developed projects. Her career is more than the spouse’s version of a travelling founder’s story.Read biography
Contemporary
Ronni Kahn
Social entrepreneur, OzHarvest founder and former chief executiveRonni Kahn brought experience in floristry and event management to a different organisational problem: moving usable surplus food to people who needed it. OzHarvest grew through transport, partnerships, fundraising and advocacy rather than goodwill alone. Her later transition out of the chief-executive role made continuity beyond a founder an explicit part of that work.Read biography
1970–
Michelle Bridges
Fitness entrepreneur, trainer, author and television presenterMichelle Bridges built a fitness business across instruction, television, publishing, online programmes and retail. The 12WBT enterprise addressed the limit on how many clients one trainer could see, but depended on technical and management work beyond its familiar face. Her public career also includes a drink-driving conviction and the responsibilities that accompany a personal brand.Read biography
1954–
Andrew Liveris
Former Dow chair and CEO, company director and Brisbane 2032 presidentAndrew Liveris’s career began in chemical engineering and expanded through international manufacturing management. His Dow leadership encompassed difficult acquisition financing and the planned merger-and-separation of DowDuPont. After leaving those executive roles, he supported engineering education and took Australian governance responsibilities, including the presidency of Brisbane’s 2032 organising committee.Read biography
1964–
Lorna Jane Clarkson
Activewear entrepreneur, designer, author and chief creative officerLorna Jane Clarkson turned clothing made for her own fitness classes into a recognisable Australian retail business. Its growth involved design, stores, partnerships and a wider lifestyle message. The history also includes a serious consumer-law judgment against the company and restructuring by its US subsidiary, making the boundaries of brand confidence part of the story rather than an afterthought.Read biography
1963–
Robyn Denholm
Technology-finance executive, Tesla board chair and Australian innovation adviserRobyn Denholm moved from Australian accounting and automotive finance into international computing and network businesses. She joined Tesla’s board in 2014 and became its chair in 2018, a transition shaped by a securities-regulator settlement. Her later work combines Australian innovation institutions with contested questions about corporate independence and executive compensation.Read biography
1955–
Simon McKeon
Investment banker, company director and former Takeovers Panel presidentSimon McKeon built a career in law and investment banking before dividing his working life between corporate and civic institutions. He led Australia’s Takeovers Panel through its expanded 2000 regime, chaired major organisations and became 2011 Australian of the Year. His later directorships also place him within difficult debates about board responsibility and public trust.Read biography
Living
Matt Barrie
Technology entrepreneur, Freelancer chief executive and chairmanMatt Barrie combined engineering education, network-security entrepreneurship and finance studies before building Freelancer. The marketplace grew through acquired businesses as well as its own development. Its public listing, ownership structure and a privacy dispute make his career a story of managing a platform’s obligations, not only expanding its reach.Read biography
Living
Fred Schebesta
Comparison-business entrepreneur and Finder founder and executive chairFred Schebesta moved from a digital agency into consumer comparison websites with Frank Restuccia. Finder later expanded internationally and into app-based services. The unsuccessful regulatory case against the separate Finder Wallet company is material to that history, but it was not a personal prosecution or a universal endorsement of cryptocurrency products.Read biography
1983–
Sam Prince
Medical doctor, hospitality entrepreneur and Zambrero founderSam Prince began Zambrero while studying medicine, then developed a restaurant network alongside medical and philanthropic work. His career includes early franchising, difficult ownership decisions, Plate 4 Plate and later primary-care enterprise. The story requires separating a founder’s aims from the work of franchise operators, professional managers and delivery partners.Read biography
1963–
Audette Exel
Finance lawyer, corporate adviser and Adara founder and chairAudette Exel moved from legal practice into Bermuda banking and financial governance before founding Adara in 1998. Her Australian advisory business later recruited senior dealmakers to generate funding for development work. Board service at Suncorp and Westpac formed a separate strand of a career linking commercial expertise, institutional responsibility and social purpose.Read biography
1962–
Patrice Motsepe
Mining entrepreneur, ARM non-executive chair and football administratorPatrice Motsepe moved from legal practice into contract mining before building a diversified resources business through acquisitions and share exchanges. His career developed alongside South Africa’s effort to widen Black participation in industry. It later encompassed financial-services investments, a joint family foundation and the presidency of African football’s governing body.Read biography
1959–
Maria Ramos
Banking and logistics executive, former Treasury official and Standard Chartered Group ChairMaria Ramos built a career across economic policy, state-owned logistics and commercial banking. Born in Portugal and raised in South Africa, she became Treasury director-general, led Transnet and ran Absa for a decade. Her banking tenure included regional integration, a conduct controversy and the beginning of separation from Barclays, followed by international board leadership.Read biography
1945–
Nicky Oppenheimer
Former De Beers chairman and Oppenheimer Generations chairmanNicky Oppenheimer’s career developed inside established mining and diamond businesses before he became De Beers chairman. It encompassed changes in ownership, corporate legal liabilities and the family’s eventual exit from its diamond shareholding. Later work includes family enterprise, conservation and institutions concerned with African economic development.Read biography
1973–
Mark Shuttleworth
Thawte founder, Canonical founder and CEO, and open-source entrepreneurMark Shuttleworth moved from university-era consulting to an international Internet certificate business, then used his post-sale independence for new ventures and institutions. Spaceflight brought public recognition, while Canonical and Ubuntu became the central business and software strand of his later career. A major exchange-control case also connected his private decisions with public law.Read biography
1959–
Herman Mashaba
Black Like Me co-founder, former Johannesburg mayor and ActionSA presidentHerman Mashaba built Black Like Me with partners whose skills extended beyond his own sales experience. Factory losses, corporate partnerships and a leadership handover shaped the company. His later political career brought a different kind of public accountability, including sustained criticism of his rhetoric about migrants.Read biography
1931–2023
Raymond Ackerman
Retail entrepreneur, Pick n Pay builder and consumer campaignerRaymond Ackerman developed a major grocery retailer from an existing four-store business. His career joined competitive pricing, new store formats and franchising with arguments about business responsibility. It also involved labour conflict, public policy choices, a transfer of leadership and sustained support for entrepreneurial education.Read biography
1957–
Ivan Glasenberg
Former Glencore chief executive and commodities traderIvan Glasenberg moved from accountancy into international coal trading before leading Glencore for almost two decades. Its flotation and Xstrata combination changed the business’s scale and ownership. Assessing that career also requires attention to corporate misconduct, the distinction between executive office and shareholding, and his later departure from management.Read biography
1853–1902
Cecil Rhodes
British mining magnate, imperialist and Cape Colony prime ministerCecil Rhodes was a British businessman and colonial politician whose influence in southern Africa joined mining wealth to imperial expansion. Partnerships created a concentrated diamond business, while political office and chartered-company power helped impose racial hierarchy, land restrictions and conquest. His educational bequest forms part of that contested history.Read biography
1953–
Tokyo Sexwale
Mvelaphanda co-founder, former Gauteng premier and former ministerTokyo Sexwale’s career connects resistance to apartheid, democratic provincial government and black investment ownership. After imprisonment and Gauteng’s first premiership, he helped establish Mvelaphanda Holdings and later returned to national government. His record also includes foundation work, a withdrawn FIFA candidacy and disputed claims about an alleged development fund.Read biography
1853–1906
Alfred Beit
German-born British mining financier and imperial benefactorAlfred Beit combined diamond-trading knowledge, mining finance and London partnerships to accumulate substantial southern African wealth. His support for Rhodes’s imperial projects included the failed Jameson Raid. Educational gifts and a communications endowment produced lasting institutions, but their benefits cannot erase the coercive labour and colonial setting from which his fortune emerged.Read biography
c.1851–1897
Barney Barnato
British diamond entrepreneur and Johannesburg mining financierBarney Barnato moved from London trading and entertainment into Kimberley diamonds, then Johannesburg gold and property finance. His rivalry with Rhodes was only part of a career built through relatives, companies and investment markets. Racial labour controls and speculative risk complicate the familiar story of a self-made mining fortune.Read biography
1880–1957
Ernest Oppenheimer
German-born British mining financier and Anglo American co-founderErnest Oppenheimer linked diamond dealing, international finance and South African mining management. Anglo American’s formation and his later De Beers chairmanship reshaped major enterprises, while central selling concentrated market power. His public service and selective reforms coexisted with racial paternalism and an industry built on unequal labour relations.Read biography
1908–2000
Harry Oppenheimer
Mining industrialist, former parliamentarian and business-reform advocateHarry Oppenheimer inherited a major mining network and expanded its industrial and international reach. Parliamentary service, support for liberal parties and urban reform made him a political actor as well as a corporate leader. His opposition to aspects of apartheid coexisted with qualified-franchise ideas, cheap migrant labour and workers’ challenges to business-led reform.Read biography
1979–
Vinny Lingham
Technology entrepreneur, investor and Praxos Capital co-founderVinny Lingham’s career runs from South African digital marketing and website tools to US gift-card technology, digital identity and investment. His ventures involved co-founders, successive executives and acquiring companies. Dated records distinguish entrepreneurial exits from continuing ownership, company security questions from personal blame, and investment promotion from independently established performance.Read biography
1968–
Michael Jordaan
Banker, technology investor and Bank Zero co-founderMichael Jordaan moved from leading an established retail bank to backing technology businesses and co-founding a new mutual bank. His career includes FNB’s innovation programme, an advertising controversy, Mxit’s commercial closure and Bank Zero’s delayed launch. Executive management, board oversight and investing were different responsibilities, not interchangeable claims of personal ownership or success.Read biography
Contemporary
Gareth Ackerman
Retail business leader and Pick n Pay non-executive directorGareth Ackerman’s retail career combined operational work, holding-company leadership and a long Pick n Pay chairmanship. He inherited access to a family business rather than founding the chain. Its financial crisis, recapitalisation and governance changes make his record a case of succession and accountability as well as industry leadership. He remained a director after leaving the chair in 2025.Read biography
Telecommunications career: 1994–
Shameel Joosub
Telecommunications executive and Vodacom Group CEOShameel Joosub advanced from accounting and handset distribution to leading Vodacom Group. His career connects South African mobile services with cross-border investment, including Safaricom. It also includes corporate accountability in the long Please Call Me compensation dispute. His executive office is distinct from founding the group, owning it personally or running every operating company.Read biography
1959–
Robert Brozin
Nando’s co-founder and social-impact entrepreneurRobert “Robbie” Brozin helped turn a Johannesburg restaurant into Nando’s with Fernando Duarte and later investors and managers. His record includes difficult overseas expansion, a distinctive advertising culture and a shift away from daily management towards social-impact projects. Co-founding the brand does not establish sole ownership, continuing CEO status or authorship of every advertisement.Read biography
1957–
Sizwe Nxasana
Accountant, former banking CEO and education entrepreneurSizwe Nxasana moved from an accounting practice to leading Telkom and FirstRand, then into schools and student funding. His record includes institution-building and a difficult NSFAS chairmanship ending amid payment failures. Bank-holding and group appointments, private educational enterprises and public financial-aid governance were distinct responsibilities—not one continuous executive position.Read biography
1971–
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa
Investment executive and Naspers South Africa CEOPhuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa built a career in infrastructure finance and investment before leading Naspers’s South African business. Her work spans Shanduka, Sigma Capital and technology investing, with public scrutiny of local economic benefits and the closure of Naspers Foundry. Her country-level executive role, directorships and investee-company ownership are distinct—not a claim that she personally owns or runs the whole group.Read biography
1954–
Sipho Nkosi
Mining entrepreneur and former Exxaro CEOSipho Nkosi helped build Eyesizwe Coal and the mining group Exxaro before moving into board leadership and business advocacy. His career connects ownership transformation with the operational demands of a major resources company. His 2023 Sasol departure over a perceived conflict of interest also shows why an executive record requires attention to governance, not only successful transactions.Read biography
1960–
Nonkululeko Nyembezi
Engineer, former industrial CEO and independent bank chairNonkululeko Nyembezi moved from electrical engineering and technology into finance, telecommunications and industrial management. Her ArcelorMittal tenure included the contested Sishen mineral-rights episode; later roles included IchorCoal and the JSE. At the 2026 review she chaired Standard Bank, a governance position distinct from running its daily banking operations.Read biography
1966–
Mike Brown
Former Nedbank chief executive and chartered accountantMike Brown led Nedbank for fourteen years after a career in accounting, treasury and corporate banking. His tenure included a large technology overhaul and the end of Old Mutual’s controlling shareholding. His record also involves uneven regional expansion and scrutiny of transactions undertaken by the bank. He is a former executive, not its founder or current CEO.Read biography
1967–
Sim Tshabalala
Standard Bank Group chief executive and former lawyerSim Tshabalala moved from law into finance and became a leader of Standard Bank’s African operations before sharing, then assuming sole responsibility for the group CEO role. His rise from an apartheid-era childhood is significant, but his public language of purpose also meets practical scrutiny over the bank’s investment choices, including fossil-fuel finance.Read biography1951–
Stephen Koseff
Former Investec group CEO and chartered accountantStephen Koseff helped turn Investec from a small finance business into an international banking group. He led it as CEO from 1996 to 2018 and later returned as a non-executive director. His record includes the 2002 London structure, an entrepreneurial management culture and costly acquisitions he later acknowledged as mistakes. His renewed Investec plc board service ended in August 2026.Read biography
1964–
Adrian Gore
Discovery co-founder and group chief executiveAdrian Gore co-founded Discovery and developed a financial-services group whose Vitality model connects behavioural incentives with insurance economics. The business grew beyond health into other products and international partnerships. Its stated social purpose needs to be read alongside independent evidence, regulatory compliance findings and disputes over fair treatment. Gore’s group leadership is distinct from individual subsidiaries’ operations and medical-scheme governance.Read biography
1960–
Phuthuma Nhleko
Former MTN CEO, investment-group co-founder and JSE chairmanPhuthuma Nhleko moved from civil engineering into corporate finance and investment before leading MTN’s international expansion. His telecoms career included the Investcom takeover and a later executive return during the Nigerian regulatory-fine crisis. Subsequent board and investment work should not be confused with continuing operational control of MTN; his JSE chairmanship is documented in its August 2026 statement.Read biography
1955–
Jacko Maree
Former Standard Bank group CEO and deputy chairmanJacko Maree spent his banking career at Standard Bank, leading the group from 1999 to 2013. His record includes stronger African operations, the ICBC partnership and costly ambitions beyond Africa. He later returned to the board, but his group directorship ended in June 2026. His career is best understood through both growth and the decisions to retreat or change course.Read biography
1966–
Nicky Newton-King
Former JSE chief executive, lawyer and non-executive directorNicky Newton-King brought legal and securities-market experience to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, becoming its first woman chief executive. Her career connects exchange technology with regulation, corporate accountability and organisational transformation. She retired from the JSE in 2019; subsequent board service is a different responsibility, and her Stellenbosch Council chairmanship ended in April 2026.Read biography
1958–2021
Jabu Mabuza
Entrepreneur, tourism executive and former Telkom and Eskom chairmanJabu Mabuza moved from taxi entrepreneurship and black business organisation into tourism, telecommunications and electricity-sector leadership. His career challenged apartheid-era barriers to participation, but later public responsibilities also brought criticism and an unsuccessful promise over power supply. He died in June 2021; historical board biographies must not be presented as current appointments.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Chew Choon Seng
Former Singapore Airlines chief executive and former SGX and tourism-board chairmanChew Choon Seng developed an international airline career before leading Singapore Airlines and later chairing Singapore Exchange and the Singapore Tourism Board.Read biography
1949—
Ng Ser Miang
Singapore transport entrepreneur, former retail and healthcare chairman, and Olympic administratorNg Ser Miang built a transport business before taking corporate and cooperative chairmanships alongside a long, separately documented career in international sports administration.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Enrique Razon Jr.
ICTSI chairman and president, Bloomberry chairman and chief executive, and Prime Infra chairmanEnrique Razon Jr. developed a business career around container-terminal operations before extending into resorts and infrastructure through separately governed companies.Read biography
1954—
Ramon Ang
San Miguel Corporation and Petron chairman and chief executiveRamon Ang brought a mechanical-engineering background to leadership at San Miguel and Petron, with responsibilities spanning operating businesses and major infrastructure projects.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Patrick Walujo
Indonesian Northstar co-founder and former GoTo chief executivePatrick Walujo built an investment career through Northstar before moving into executive leadership at GoTo, where a later shareholder-approved succession ended his CEO tenure.Read biography
1965—
Hary Tanoesoedibjo
Indonesian MNC Group founder and investment and media entrepreneurHary Tanoesoedibjo founded the business behind MNC Group and expanded its interests across television, digital entertainment, financial services and property-related investment.Read biography
Birth date unverified
Chu Jenn Weng
Malaysian ViTrox co-founder and machine-vision entrepreneurChu Jenn Weng co-founded ViTrox, developing inspection systems for electronics manufacturing after engineering studies and work at Hewlett-Packard Malaysia.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Chuah Choon Bin
Malaysian Pentamaster co-founder and executive chairmanChuah Choon Bin co-founded Pentamaster, applying engineering experience at multinational manufacturers to testing, vision inspection and factory automation.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Goh Peng Ooi
Malaysian Silverlake founder and financial-software entrepreneurGoh Peng Ooi founded Silverlake after an IBM career, building software for financial institutions and later overseeing a business with a separately documented leadership succession.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Tan Eng Kee
Malaysian Greatech co-founder and industrial-automation executiveTan Eng Kee co-founded the business behind Greatech, moving from precision components into automation systems used in electronics, solar and other manufacturing industries.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Pawat Vitoorapakorn
Eastern Polymer Group vice-chairman, executive-committee chairman and former CEOThe economics graduate who helped build his family’s rubber business into a diversified polymer group, later handing the EPG CEO role to Chalieo Vitoorapakorn in August 2026.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Sompol Tanadumrongsak
Fortune Parts Industry managing director and Thai automotive-supplier association leaderThe Fortune Parts Industry executive whose work spans plastic automotive components, international supply and representation of Thailand’s auto-parts manufacturers.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Payung Sakdasawit
Thai Auto Tools and Die co-founder and engineering educator turned manufacturing executiveThe former tool-and-die lecturer who co-founded Thai Auto Tools and Die and later led its transition into a listed automotive tooling and components group.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Thaveechat Jurangkool
Thai Steel Cable CEO and automotive-components company directorThe Thai Steel Cable chief executive whose disclosed career spans body parts, seating materials and other automotive suppliers before his December 2018 CEO appointment.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Banlang Rungrotkitiyot
P.C.S. Machine Group Holding chief executive officerThe engineering-trained executive whose career moved through PCS operating companies before his appointment as the listed holding company’s CEO in July 2025.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Ongart Thumrongsakunvong
Interhides co-founder, vice chairman and managing directorThe Interhides co-founder and executive whose career follows a Thai materials manufacturer’s development into automotive leather, cutting and sewing services.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Sompong Phaoenchoke
Thai Rung Union Car vice chairman and managing directorThe Thai Rung executive whose industrial-engineering background and interviews illuminate a business spanning components, tooling and specialist vehicle assembly.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Apichart Lee-issaranukul
Thai Stanley Electric executive chairmanThe Thai Stanley executive chairman whose career spans automotive lighting operations, cross-company directorships and the restructuring challenges of a vehicle supplier.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Somporn Juangroongruangkit
Thai automotive-parts business leader and Thai Summit presidentThe Thai businesswoman who took over the family’s automotive-parts group after Pattana Juangroongruangkit’s death and established its charitable foundation.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Napatsorn Kitaphanich
Thai automotive-components executive and former SAT presidentThe Thai executive who served as Somboon Advance Technology’s president from 2018 to 2024, with board roles spanning established components and newer technologies.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Pitharn Ongkosit
Thai electronics executive and KCE president and chief executiveThe engineering-trained KCE executive whose career progressed through production planning and management before the company recorded him as president and CEO from 2013.Read biography1957—
Richard David Han
Hana Microelectronics executive and long-serving chief executiveThe long-serving Hana executive known as Richard Han, whose career connects electronics assembly, international manufacturing and the risks of expanding into new semiconductor activities.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Bancha Ongkosit
Thai electronics executive and KCE board and executive-board chairmanThe KCE chairman whose career connects graphic-design training and advertising experience with printed-circuit-board manufacturing for international electronics supply chains.Read biographyBirth date unverified
Yeap Swee Chuan
Malaysian founder of Thailand-based automotive-parts manufacturer AAPICOThe Malaysian industrial entrepreneur behind Thailand-based AAPICO, whose career connects automotive tooling and components with manufacturing investment across national borders.Read biography
1975—
Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi
Thai manufacturing executive and ThaiBev group chief executiveThe ThaiBev executive whose work connects a family-controlled beverage manufacturer with regional food and drinks businesses, long-term strategy and group governance.Read biography
1958—
Aloke Lohia
Indian industrialist and founder of Thailand-based Indorama VenturesThe Indian founder of Thailand-based Indorama Ventures, whose manufacturing career spans textiles, PET packaging materials and an international network of industrial operations.Read biography
1955—
Kan Trakulhoon
Thai engineer, former SCG chief executive and AIS board chairmanThe Thai engineering graduate who rose through Siam Cement’s industrial businesses, led SCG from 2006 to the end of 2015 and later chaired the board of telecommunications company AIS.Read biography
1967—
Suphachai Chearavanont
Thai telecommunications executive and CP Group business leaderThe Thai business leader whose career spans True’s earlier operating company, the post-2023 telecom group and wider CP Group responsibilities in a changing digital economy.Read biography
1974—
Pua Khein-Seng
Malaysian engineer and Phison Electronics co-founderThe Malaysian engineer who co-founded Taiwan-based Phison and helped develop single-chip USB storage technology before expanding into flash controllers, solid-state drives and AI-related storage solutions.Read biography
1962—
Rachmat Gobel
Indonesian electronics industrialist and former trade ministerThe second-generation Indonesian industrialist who trained in Japan, worked through the Gobel electronics businesses and later became trade minister and a national legislator.Read biography
1945—
Jeffrey Cheah
Malaysian entrepreneur and Sunway founderThe Malaysian entrepreneur who built Sunway from a 1974 business into a diversified group and transferred educational equity into a foundation intended to support learning in perpetuity.Read biography
1930–2022
Teh Hong Piow
Malaysian banker and Public Bank founderThe Singapore-born Malaysian banker who progressed from an OCBC clerk to Maybank management before establishing Public Bank and guiding its expansion over more than five decades.Read biography
1967—
Shinta Kamdani
Indonesian business leader and Sintesa Group executiveThe Sintesa Group leader who reorganised a family enterprise, chaired Indonesia’s 2022 B20 and became the first woman elected to lead the national employers’ association APINDO.Read biography
1958–2018
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha
Thai businessman, King Power founder and Leicester City ownerThe Thai travel-retail entrepreneur whose ownership connected King Power with Leicester City’s rise from the Championship to its first Premier League title in 2016.Read biography
1979—
Ganesh Kumar Bangah
Malaysian technology entrepreneur and Commerce.Asia founderThe Malaysian technology entrepreneur whose early software work led to MOL’s payment business and later to Commerce.Asia’s tools and services for online merchants.Read biography
1955—
Lee Kim Yew
Malaysian property entrepreneur and Country Heights founderThe Batu Pahat-born entrepreneur associated with Country Heights and The Mines, whose later career includes an advisory role and publicly contested financial proceedings.Read biography
1959—
Tan Passakornnatee
Thai entrepreneur and Ichitan chief executiveThe Thai entrepreneur who moved from Oishi’s restaurants and tea drinks to Ichitan, rebuilding after Thailand’s 2011 floods and taking the new company to the stock market.Read biography
1982—
Anthony Tan
Malaysian-born Singaporean entrepreneur and Grab co-founderThe entrepreneur who co-founded MyTeksi in Malaysia with Tan Hooi Ling, expanded the business as Grab and led it through regional competition and a Nasdaq listing.Read biography
1960—
Piyush Gupta
Former DBS Group chief executive and Keppel non-executive chairmanThe banker who led DBS from November 2009 to March 2025, promoted a digital transformation and later became Keppel’s non-executive chairman.Read biography
1929—
Mochtar Riady
Indonesian banker and founder of Lippo GroupThe Indonesian businessman whose work in several banks preceded the expansion of Lippo into property, services, healthcare and education.Read biography
1953—
Peter Lim
Investor, healthcare-business owner and philanthropistThe Singaporean former stockbroker who diversified into healthcare, property and football, while funding athlete scholarships and a peace-studies professorship.Read biography
1986—
Achmad Zaky
Bukalapak co-founder and former CEO; Init 6 founding partnerThe Indonesian technology entrepreneur who helped build Bukalapak for small merchants, handed over its chief executive role in 2020 and moved into early-stage investing.Read biography1958—
Ron Sim
OSIM founder and V3 Group founder and executive chairmanThe Singaporean entrepreneur behind OSIM, whose career moved from household-goods trading to branded wellness retail, overseas expansion and the creation of V3 Group.Read biography1961—
Lim Hock Chee
Sheng Siong Group co-founder and chief executive officerThe Singaporean grocery entrepreneur who moved from his family’s pig-farming business into neighbourhood retail, co-founding Sheng Siong with his brothers and leading its operations as CEO.Read biography
1949—
Loo Choon Yong
Physician, Raffles Medical Group co-founder and executive chairmanThe Singaporean doctor and legally trained healthcare entrepreneur who helped build Raffles Medical Group from two clinics into an integrated provider and served in Parliament and diplomacy.Read biography1972—
Loh Lik Peng
Hotelier, restaurateur and Unlisted Collection founderThe Singaporean former litigator who moved into boutique hotels and chef-led restaurants, building Unlisted Collection around distinctive properties rather than one uniform hotel brand.Read biography
1948—
Chua Thian Poh
Ho Bee Land founder and executive chairmanThe Singaporean entrepreneur who built Ho Bee Land after earlier business setbacks and supported community leadership education alongside a career in property investment.Read biography1951—
Claire Chiang
Hospitality co-founder, sociologist and women’s advocateThe Singaporean sociologist who helped build Banyan Tree’s hospitality and craft-retail businesses while advocating for women and families in civil society and Parliament.Read biography
1948—
Ng Kok Song
Avanda co-founder and chairman; former GIC group chief investment officerThe Singaporean investment professional who moved from public reserves management to an institutional asset-management business and later stood for the presidency.Read biography
1952—
Ho Kwon Ping
Banyan Group co-founder and executive chairmanThe Singaporean former journalist who co-founded an international hospitality group and helped establish a different model of university education in Singapore.Read biography
1943—
Quek Leng Chan
Hong Leong Bank and Hong Leong Financial Group chairmanThe Malaysian Hong Leong business leader whose long board career spans banking, insurance, manufacturing and property, distinct from Singapore’s Kwek Leng Beng.Read biography1941—
Kwek Leng Beng
Executive chairman of City Developments LimitedThe Singaporean property and hotel executive who helped build CDL from a struggling developer into an international real-estate and hospitality group.Read biography
1954—
Francis Yeoh
Executive chairman of YTL CorporationThe Malaysian civil-engineering graduate who helped expand his family’s construction business into an international infrastructure and utilities group.Read biography1923—
Robert Kuok
Founder of the Kuok GroupThe Johor-born founder who turned a post-war family trading company into a diversified Asian business group with global operations.Read biography
1918—2007
Lim Goh Tong
Founder of Genting GroupThe migrant builder who pursued an improbable mountain resort and made it the foundation of one of Malaysia’s most recognisable business groups.Read biography
1964—
Tony Fernandes
AirAsia co-founder and group adviserThe former music executive who co-acquired a struggling airline in 2001 and helped turn AirAsia into a defining low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia.Read biography
1951—
Syed Mokhtar Albukhary
Entrepreneur and philanthropistA Malaysian entrepreneur who expanded from commodity trading into transport, infrastructure and industry while building a major philanthropic programme.Read biography
1952—
Vincent Tan
Founder and advisor of Berjaya CorporationThe entrepreneur who used acquisitions, franchising and diversification to build Berjaya across consumer, property, hospitality and service businesses.Read biography
1947—
Zeti Akhtar Aziz
Economist and former Governor of Bank Negara MalaysiaThe economist who led Bank Negara Malaysia for sixteen years, strengthening financial resilience, regional cooperation and Islamic finance.Read biography1893—1967
Lee Kong Chian
Entrepreneur and philanthropistAn entrepreneur whose businesses extended across Malaya and Southeast Asia and whose philanthropy left a durable institutional map across Singapore.Read biography
1977—
Tan Min-Liang
Co-founder and CEO of RazerA former lawyer who co-founded Razer and shaped its distinctive combination of gaming hardware, software, services and design-led brand culture.Read biography1955—2023
Sim Wong Hoo
Founder of Creative TechnologyA Singapore technology entrepreneur who founded Creative Technology, developed Sound Blaster and led the first Singapore company listed on Nasdaq.Read biography
1953—
Ho Ching
Temasek Trust chairman and former Temasek Holdings CEOAn engineer and business leader who led Temasek from 2004 to 2021 through a period of global investment growth and changing portfolio disclosure.Read biography1977—
Forrest Li
Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SeaThe founder of Sea, whose Garena, Shopee and Monee (formerly SeaMoney) businesses span gaming, e-commerce and digital finance.Read biography
1931—2019
Ciputra
Property developer and founder of Ciputra GroupAn architect and urban developer who built three major property groups and made entrepreneurship education, art and sport part of his legacy.Read biography
1965—
Susi Pudjiastuti
Entrepreneur and former Minister of Marine Affairs and FisheriesA seafood trader and founder of Susi Air who became one of Indonesia’s most recognisable ministers through forceful maritime enforcement.Read biography
1981—
William Tanuwijaya
Co-founder of TokopediaTokopedia’s co-founder, who went from a night-shift internet café job to building a marketplace that transformed Indonesian online commerce.Read biography
1962—
Chairul Tanjung
Founder and Chairman of CT CorpA dentist-trained entrepreneur who built CT Corp into one of Indonesia’s broadest consumer-facing business groups.Read biography
1984—
Nadiem Makarim
Gojek founder and former education ministerGojek founder and former Indonesian education minister whose platform-building, school reforms and still-contested Chromebook case span business and public life.Read biography
1937—
Martha Tilaar
Founder of Martha Tilaar GroupAn Indonesian beauty entrepreneur whose first salon grew into cosmetics manufacturing, training and work with botanical ingredients.Read biography
1970—
Erick Thohir
Entrepreneur, sports administrator and cabinet ministerA media entrepreneur whose ownership and administration roles in basketball and football led into cabinet service.Read biography
1939—
Dhanin Chearavanont
Senior chairman of Charoen Pokphand GroupThe business leader who transformed a family seed enterprise into one of Asia’s largest diversified groups.Read biography1944—
Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi
Founder of TCC Group and chairman of Thai BeverageThe Thai entrepreneur behind TCC Group and ThaiBev, whose beverage businesses expanded into a regional network of consumer companies, hotels and property.Read biography
1964—
Tos Chirathivat
Executive chairman and CEO of Central GroupThe third-generation executive who led Central Group’s expansion across retail, property and hospitality in Thailand and Europe.Read biography
1924—2019
Henry Sy
Founder of SM GroupThe entrepreneur who developed a Manila shoe store into SM, one of the Philippines’ largest groups in retail, property and financial services.Read biography1926—2019
John Gokongwei Jr.
Founder of JG Summit HoldingsA Cebu entrepreneur who built JG Summit into a diversified group spanning food manufacturing, aviation, property, banking and petrochemicals.Read biography
1953—
Tony Tan Caktiong
Founder and executive chairman of Jollibee GroupThe chemical engineer and entrepreneur who turned a family ice-cream venture into Jollibee, a Philippine brand with an international restaurant portfolio.Read biography
1959—
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala
Chairman of Ayala CorporationThe Ayala Corporation chairman who led a 26-year chief-executive tenure and repositioned one of the Philippines’ oldest business groups around new industries and sustainability.Read biography
1934—
Lucio Tan
Chairman and CEO of LT GroupThe immigrant entrepreneur behind Fortune Tobacco and LT Group, with separate aviation interests in PAL Holdings and Philippine Airlines.Read biography
1950—
Teresita Sy-Coson
Vice chair of SM Investments and chairperson of BDO UnibankThe SM Investments vice chair and BDO Unibank chairperson who helped turn her family’s retail roots into a connected national platform in stores, property and banking.Read biography
1946—
Manny Pangilinan
Managing director and CEO of First PacificThe First Pacific co-founder and executive known as MVP whose Philippine companies span PLDT, Meralco, Metro Pacific infrastructure, healthcare and sports development.Read biography
1966—
Lance Gokongwei
President and CEO of JG Summit HoldingsThe son of founder John Gokongwei Jr. who became JG Summit CEO after James L. Go, overseeing a diversified group and its changing operating-company leadership.Read biography
1977—
Edgar “Injap” Sia II
Chairman and CEO of DoubleDragon CorporationThe Iloilo entrepreneur who founded Mang Inasal, sold the restaurant chain to Jollibee and partnered with Tony Tan Caktiong to build DoubleDragon.Read biography
1905—1976
Bado Dangwa
Transport entrepreneur, guerrilla officer and governorA self-taught mechanic and transport entrepreneur whose wartime service with northern Luzon guerrillas preceded a decade in provincial government.Read biography
1949—
Manuel Villar Jr.
Housing entrepreneur and former leader of both houses of CongressA Tondo-born accountant and property entrepreneur whose business career preceded leadership in both chambers of Congress and a third-place presidential result in 2010.Read biography
1968—
Phạm Nhật Vượng
Founder and chairman of VingroupThe entrepreneur who moved from an instant-noodle business in Ukraine to build Vingroup and launch Vietnam’s most ambitious global vehicle brand.Read biography
1956—
Trương Gia Bình
Co-founder and chairman of FPT CorporationThe mathematician and entrepreneur who co-founded FPT in 1988 and helped turn it into a multinational technology, education and digital-services group.Read biography
1971—
Đặng Lê Nguyên Vũ
Founder of Trung Nguyên LegendThe entrepreneur who founded Trung Nguyên in Buôn Ma Thuột and used coffee retail, instant products and cultural branding to expand internationally.Read biography
1970—
Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo
Founder and chairwoman of VietJet AirThe entrepreneur who founded VietJet, expanded private aviation in Vietnam and became the country’s first self-made woman billionaire after the airline listed.Read biography
1953—
Mai Kiều Liên
Chief executive of VinamilkThe dairy engineer who joined Vinamilk’s predecessor in 1976 and has led the company as chief executive through modernisation, listing and international expansion.Read biography
1969—
Nguyễn Đức Tài
Co-founder and chairman of Mobile World Investment CorporationThe retail entrepreneur who co-founded Mobile World in 2004 and helped expand it from a Ho Chi Minh City phone shop into a nationwide group spanning electronics, groceries and other consumer formats.Read biography
1964—
Đặng Thành Tâm
Founder and chairman of Kinh Bac City Development Holding CorporationThe marine engineer turned industrial-park developer who founded Kinh Bac City and built manufacturing locations around northern Vietnam’s growing export economy.Read biography
1955—
Nguyễn Thị Nga
BRG chairwoman and SeABank standing vice chairwomanThe entrepreneur who founded BRG as an import-export business in 1993 and expanded it into a private group with interests across finance, property, hospitality, golf and retail.Read biography
1970—
Lê Hồng Thủy Tiên
Chief executive officer of Imex Pan Pacific GroupThe former actor and flight attendant who moved into retail management and became chief executive of IPPG, helping scale international fashion, food-and-beverage and airport retail in Vietnam.Read biography
1983—
Bùi Quang Minh
Founder and chairman of Beta GroupThe entrepreneur known as Minh Beta who developed a mass-market cinema business, attracted institutional investment and joined Aeon Entertainment in a separately branded Vietnamese cinema venture.Read biography
1968—
Kith Meng
Chairman and chief executive of Royal GroupA Cambodian business leader raised partly in Australia who built Royal Group through international partnerships and leads the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.Read biographyContemporary
Mong Reththy
Agribusiness entrepreneur and senatorThe Cambodian entrepreneur who founded Mong Reththy Group in 1989, expanded into plantations and port services, and entered the Senate in 2006.Read biography
Contemporary
Pung Kheav Se
Banker and chairman of Canadia GroupThe entrepreneur who returned from Canada to build Canadia Bank and later chaired a group spanning finance, insurance, construction and urban development.Read biography
1954—
Sok Kong
Founder and chairman of Sokimex Investment GroupBorn in Prey Veng in 1954, Sok Kong built Sokimex from a fuel importer into a Cambodian group with hotels, property and Bokor Mountain projects.Read biography1958—
Ly Yong Phat
Businessman and L.Y.P. Group leader with Cambodian Senate serviceThe Koh Kong-born businessman and senator whose L.Y.P. Group became a large diversified conglomerate and was sanctioned by the United States in 2024.Read biography1970—
Sear Rithy
Founder and chairman of WorldBridge GroupThe logistics entrepreneur who founded WorldBridge and expanded it into property, banking and industrial development after the Paris peace transition.Read biography1948—
Leuang Litdang
Founder of Dao-Heuang GroupThe entrepreneur who began Dao-Heuang as a small import-export business and built a diversified Lao group closely identified with coffee.Read biography1966—
Valy Vetsaphong
Healthcare entrepreneur, chamber leader and former legislatorA healthcare entrepreneur, legislator and association leader who helped make women-owned businesses more visible in Laos.Read biographyContemporary
Souliyo Vongdala
Co-founder and chief executive of LOCAA Lao technology entrepreneur whose work took LOCA from a Vientiane ride-hailing idea into payments and electric-vehicle charging, with infrastructure financing reported in 2026.Read biography
Contemporary
Timothy Ong
Business leader and founder of Asia Inc ForumThe Bruneian businessman who founded Asia Inc Forum and has connected corporate, government and civil-society leaders across the Asia-Pacific.Read biography
Contemporary
Hafimi Abdul Haadii
Executive director of LVK Group and regional business adviserThe third-generation Bruneian business leader whose work spans a family group, entrepreneur networks, competition policy and regional advisory councils.Read biography
Contemporary
Haslina Taib
Chief executive of Dynamik TechnologiesThe technology executive who returned to Brunei after an international career and led Dynamik Technologies through major national digital projects.Read biography
Contemporary
Vanessa Teo
Agricultural technology entrepreneur and food-systems innovatorA Bruneian agricultural technology entrepreneur who connected farm management, training and an online produce market to the country’s food-security challenge.Read biography
1953—
Serge Pun
Founder of SPA Group, FMI and Yoma StrategicThe entrepreneur who built a regional business network across real estate, financial services, automotive distribution and consumer sectors.Read biography20th century—
Aung Ko Win
KBZ Group chairman and former executive chairman of KBZ BankThe former teacher who acquired Kanbawza Bank with his wife, helped expand a family-owned group and became the bank’s chairman emeritus in 2017.Read biography
1967—
Zaw Zaw
Founder and chairman of Max Myanmar GroupThe entrepreneur whose Max Myanmar group expanded across construction, energy, hospitality and banking while he became a powerful football administrator.Read biography1978—
Nilton Gusmão dos Santos
Energy entrepreneur and football administratorAn energy-sector executive who moved into football administration, founding a domestic league organisation and later leading the national federation.Read biographyContemporary
Jorge Manuel de Araújo Serrano
Media entrepreneur and business-association leaderThe owner of Grupo Media Nacional who became a long-serving organiser of young entrepreneurs and president of the national chamber of commerce.Read biographyContemporary