Ion Stoica, computer scientist and entrepreneur, is cofounder and executive chairman of Databricks, one of the world’s most valuable data and AI companies. A professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Stoica is also a co-creator of Apache Spark, the open-source framework that revolutionized big data processing. Under his leadership, Databricks has scaled into a multibillion-dollar enterprise serving global enterprises with cloud-based analytics and AI platforms. Known for bridging academia and industry, Stoica has become a leading figure in advancing the future of data infrastructure and machine learning.

Roy Carroll II, founder, president, and CEO of The Carroll Companies, has built a diversified real estate empire spanning multifamily housing, commercial developments, self-storage, and luxury communities. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, the privately held company oversees billions in assets with projects across the Southeastern United States. Known for his entrepreneurial drive and long-term investment vision, Carroll has positioned his firm as a leader in regional real estate while also supporting civic and philanthropic initiatives that strengthen local communities.

David Simon, chairman, CEO, and president of Simon Property Group, has led the company to become the largest shopping mall operator in the United States and a global leader in retail real estate. Taking over leadership in the mid-1990s, he steered the Indianapolis-based firm through major acquisitions, including the purchase of Taubman Centers, and successfully navigated challenges posed by e-commerce and shifting consumer trends. Under his guidance, Simon Property Group has maintained dominance with hundreds of malls and premium outlets, while Simon himself has earned a reputation as one of the most influential executives in American real estate.

Henrik Fisker, Danish-born automotive designer and entrepreneur, is best known for creating some of the world’s most iconic luxury cars and for founding Fisker Inc., an electric vehicle manufacturer. After a celebrated design career at BMW and Aston Martin—where he shaped models like the BMW Z8 and Aston Martin DB9—he launched his own ventures to blend sustainability with high design. Although his first company, Fisker Automotive, faced setbacks, he returned with Fisker Inc., focusing on stylish, affordable EVs like the Fisker Ocean. Renowned for bold creativity and resilience, Fisker remains a leading figure in the push toward sustainable mobility.

Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner and chairman of the New York Yankees, inherited leadership of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchise from his father, George Steinbrenner. Since assuming control in 2008, he has balanced the legacy of the Yankees’ storied past with the financial and operational demands of modern sports management. Under his stewardship, the team has continued to rank among the most valuable sports franchises in the world, leveraging brand power, media rights, and stadium operations while maintaining its pursuit of championships.

Gregg Hymowitz, founder, chairman, and CEO of EnTrust Global, has built one of the world’s leading alternative investment firms, managing billions across hedge funds, private equity, real assets, and impact investments. With a career spanning decades in finance, Hymowitz launched EnTrust in 1997 and later orchestrated its merger with Permal to expand global reach. Known for his innovative approach to portfolio construction and commitment to ESG strategies, he has positioned EnTrust Global as a trusted partner for institutional investors worldwide.

Glenn Sanford, founder and CEO of eXp World Holdings, revolutionized real estate brokerage with the creation of eXp Realty, a cloud-based platform that eliminated the need for traditional offices. Since launching the company in 2009, he has scaled it into one of the fastest-growing real estate brokerages in the world, with tens of thousands of agents operating across multiple countries. Known for his focus on technology, collaboration, and agent ownership, Sanford has redefined how real estate professionals work and share in the success of their brokerage.

Gary Lauder, venture capitalist and heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics fortune, manages Lauder Partners LLC, investing in emerging technologies, communications, and media ventures. Known for his strategic, long-term approach, he has backed numerous early-stage companies while maintaining active involvement in philanthropic initiatives. As a member of the influential Lauder family, he combines the legacy of one of America’s most iconic beauty empires with a forward-looking vision for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Gabe Newell, cofounder and president of Valve Corporation, turned a small game studio into one of the most influential forces in the video game industry. After leaving Microsoft in 1996, he launched Valve with Mike Harrington, debuting the groundbreaking title Half-Life and later creating the Steam platform, which revolutionized digital game distribution. Under Newell’s leadership, Valve has become a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse known for innovation, fan engagement, and industry-defining franchises, making him one of gaming’s most respected and enigmatic figures.

Salman Alhokair, Saudi businessman and prominent member of the Alhokair family, has played a key role in expanding the Fawaz Alhokair Group into one of the Middle East’s dominant retail, hospitality, and entertainment conglomerates. Building on the family’s legacy, he has overseen partnerships with top international brands and the development of large-scale shopping malls and lifestyle destinations. Known for blending global retail trends with regional market expertise, Alhokair continues to influence the evolution of consumer experiences across Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

Fawaz Alhokair, Saudi billionaire businessman, co-founded the Fawaz Alhokair Group and expanded it from a single menswear shop in 1989 into a retail giant representing leading global fashion brands. Under his leadership, the group diversified into shopping malls, hotels, and entertainment ventures, establishing a presence across the Middle East and beyond. Known for his entrepreneurial drive and ambitious expansion, Alhokair has played a pivotal role in modernizing Saudi Arabia’s retail landscape and connecting regional consumers with international brands.

Frank Laukien, chairman, president, and CEO of Bruker Corporation, has built the scientific instruments maker into a global leader in analytical and diagnostic solutions. Taking the helm of the company founded by his father, Laukien expanded its product portfolio across life sciences, materials research, and industrial applications, serving top research institutions and laboratories worldwide. A physicist by training, he has guided Bruker’s growth through innovation-driven acquisitions and a focus on precision technologies, securing its reputation as a critical partner in advancing scientific discovery.

Frank Holding Jr., chairman and CEO of First Citizens BancShares, has led the North Carolina–based bank through decades of steady expansion and strategic acquisitions. Under his leadership, the once-regional institution became a national player, most notably with its transformative 2023 acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank’s assets. Known for a conservative approach to lending and an emphasis on long-term relationships, Holding has preserved the family-run culture while scaling First Citizens into one of the largest banks in the United States, managing hundreds of billions in assets.

Frank Fertitta III, chairman and CEO of Station Casinos, transformed a family business into a Las Vegas gaming powerhouse catering to local residents. Alongside his brother Lorenzo, he acquired the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2001 for $2 million, steering its growth into a global sports phenomenon before selling to Endeavor in 2016 for $4 billion. With substantial holdings in real estate, hospitality, and gaming, Fertitta’s career blends bold deal-making with a deep understanding of Nevada’s entertainment landscape, securing his place among America’s most influential casino magnates.

O. Francis Biondi, cofounder of King Street Capital Management, launched the hedge fund in 1995 alongside fellow First Boston alum Brian Higgins, building it into a global powerhouse with over $25 billion in assets under management. Specializing in contrarian plays across stocks and bonds, the firm became a dominant force in distressed and value investing. Biondi retired in 2020 but retained his ownership stake, cementing his legacy as a shrewd investor and architect of one of the most respected names in alternative asset management.

Felix Baker is a highly influential biotech-focused investor and co-founder of Baker Brothers Advisors, a leading hedge fund specializing in healthcare and biotechnology investing. Through his firm, established in 2000, Felix manages over $20 billion in assets and helped generate an estimated $8 billion gain from early investments in Seagen. A PhD immunologist and Stanford alumnus, he also serves on boards of key biotech companies and contributes to Stanford’s biosciences initiatives.

Edward Scott “Eddie” Lampert is an American billionaire investor and founder of ESL Investments, established in 1988 after stints at Goldman Sachs and backing from Richard Rainwater. He famously orchestrated the merger of Kmart and Sears in 2005 and led Sears Holdings until 2019, after acquiring it via bankruptcy auction through Transformco. His record has been polarizing—praised for contrarian success at AutoZone and AutoNation, yet widely criticized for Sears’ collapse.

Edward Johnson IV is an American billionaire heir and real‑estate executive in the Johnson family, which owns and controls Fidelity Investments. As President of Pembroke Real Estate—Fidelity’s global real-estate arm—he directs high-value acquisitions and developments including Boston’s Seaport Place. He also holds roughly 5–10 % of FMR LLC.

Dirk Edward Ziff is an American billionaire investor and media heir—the eldest son of William B. Ziff Jr., who sold the Ziff‑Davis publishing empire for $1.4 billion in 1994. Along with his brothers, Dirk formed Ziff Brothers Investments, spanning hedge funds, private equity, real estate, commodities, and seed‑stage finance. He later seeded Daniel Och’s Och‑Ziff Capital Management before dissolving the partnership in 2014 to invest independently.

Dean Solon is a self‑made billionaire and founder of Shoals Technologies Group, a leading provider of electrical balance-of-systems gear for solar farms. He took Shoals public in January 2021 and still owns about 40% of the company. Despite the IPO windfall, Solon remains hands‑on—recently launching Create Energy, a vertically integrated solar manufacturing venture aimed at reshaping the industry with U.S.-based production.