Neil Bluhm, real estate developer and casino magnate, built a diversified empire spanning luxury hotels, gaming, and urban real estate through long-term vision and disciplined capital deployment. As cofounder of JMB Realty, he helped shape landmark developments across major U.S. cities before expanding aggressively into gaming as a principal owner of Rush Street Gaming and Rush Street Interactive. Bluhm is also a major civic philanthropist, supporting education, healthcare, and cultural institutions in Chicago and beyond, blending large-scale commercial development with sustained community investment.

Michael Steinhardt, legendary hedge fund manager and cofounder of Steinhardt Partners, is one of the most influential investors of the late 20th century, known for combining macroeconomic insight with aggressive, high-conviction trading. Rising from modest beginnings in New York, he built Steinhardt Partners into one of Wall Street’s most successful funds during the 1980s and 1990s, delivering exceptional returns before closing the firm at its peak. Beyond finance, Steinhardt became a major patron of Jewish education, culture, and scholarship, endowing institutions and initiatives worldwide. His legacy spans both investment excellence and large-scale philanthropy rooted in identity, history, and long-term stewardship.

Martin Selig, founder and chairman of Martin Selig Real Estate, is one of Seattle’s most prominent commercial real estate developers, having shaped much of the city’s modern office landscape. Beginning in the 1970s, Selig built a vast portfolio of downtown office towers and mixed-use properties, often taking a contrarian approach by developing during market downturns and holding assets long term. Known for his bold architecture, aggressive expansion, and willingness to challenge conventional real estate cycles, Selig became a defining figure in Pacific Northwest commercial property. His career reflects decades of high-conviction development and enduring influence on Seattle’s urban core.

Dmitry Rybolovlev, billionaire investor and art collector, built his fortune through his majority stake in Uralkali, one of the world’s largest potash producers, before divesting and shifting into global investments. Known for high-profile real estate purchases across Monaco, Switzerland, the United States, and Greece, he has also been a major figure in the international art market, assembling a celebrated—and controversial—collection of masterpieces. As owner of AS Monaco FC since 2011, Rybolovlev has guided the club through periods of strong performance, including a Ligue 1 title. Despite legal disputes and intense media attention, he remains one of Europe’s most notable and influential private investors.

Harry Macklowe, New York real estate developer and art collector, is known for bold, high-stakes deals that reshaped the Manhattan skyline. Founder of Macklowe Properties, he developed iconic projects such as 432 Park Avenue, one of the tallest residential towers in the Western Hemisphere. His career has been marked by both spectacular successes and dramatic setbacks, including a leveraged $7 billion office portfolio purchase in 2007. Beyond real estate, Macklowe gained global attention for his blue-chip art collection, reinforcing his image as one of New York’s most colorful and audacious moguls.

David Geffen is an American entertainment mogul, record‑label founder, and philanthropist. He launched Asylum Records (1970), Geffen Records (1980), DGC Records (1990), and co‑founded DreamWorks SKG in 1994. His music and film empire helped define modern pop culture and Hollywood.

Daniel Loeb is an American investor, hedge‑fund manager, and founder & CEO of Third Point LLC, a New York‑based activist investment firm launched in 1995 with ~$3–4 million in capital. Renowned for his scathing public letters and event‑driven strategy, he has built Third Point into a multi‑billion‑dollar fund and a major force in corporate turnarounds and governance reform. He is also a philanthropist active in education and civil‑rights causes.

Christian W. E. Haub is the German‑American CEO and majority stakeholder of Tengelmann Group, the global retail conglomerate founded by his family in 1867. Since 2018, he has consolidated leadership—acquiring a controlling share after his brother Karl‑Erivan’s disappearance—and now oversees operations in discount grocery, e-commerce, and retail across Europe and North America. He also leads Emil Capital Partners, holds board roles in Metro Inc. and Boston College, and is known for his strategic vision and reputable family legacy.  

Charles Simonyi is a Hungarian‑American software pioneer, former Microsoft distinguished engineer, and space tourist. He architected the first versions of Microsoft Word and Excel, co-founded Intentional Software, and became the only private citizen to fund and complete two separate missions to the International Space Station—logging over 26 days in orbit. His tech and philanthropic impact includes endowed science professorships and arts funding at top institutions.

Charles Butt is the chairman and CEO of H‑E‑B, the San Antonio‑based supermarket chain founded by his grandmother in 1905. Taking over leadership in 1971, he transformed H‑E‑B into a $39–42 billion private company with over 400 stores across Texas and Mexico. A Wharton and Harvard MBA alum, Butt is also a generous philanthropist—pledging more than $150 million to education initiatives and public school teachers, and earning Mexico’s Aztec Eagle Medal for cross-border giving.

Michael Eisner, former chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the most consequential media executives of the late 20th century, having presided over Disney’s transformation into a global entertainment powerhouse. From 1984 to 2005, Eisner revitalized the company through blockbuster film franchises, the expansion of theme parks, the launch of Disney Channel, and landmark acquisitions including ABC and Pixar’s creative partnership era. After leaving Disney, he founded Tornante Company, a private investment firm backing media, technology, and consumer brands, and became a prominent investor in digital content, sports, and publishing. Known for his creative instincts, aggressive dealmaking, and polarizing leadership style, Eisner remains a defining figure in modern entertainment history.

Stephen M. Ross is a real estate magnate, philanthropist, and sports team owner known for founding Related Companies, the real estate firm behind iconic projects like Hudson Yards, and for owning the Miami Dolphins. With a significant influence in real estate, sports, and philanthropy.

Lakshmi Mittal is an Indian-born British business tycoon and the chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, the largest steelmaking company globally. His strategic acquisitions and innovative approaches have significantly shaped the global steel industry. Beyond business, Mittal is known for his philanthropic endeavors, especially in education and healthcare.

George Roberts is an influential figure in the world of private equity and finance, co-founding Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR), one of the world's leading global investment firms. Known for his role in shaping the leveraged buyout industry, Roberts has amassed significant wealth and has become a prominent philanthropist, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

Eric Smidt is the CEO and co-founder of Harbor Freight Tools, a privately held tool and equipment retailer with over 1,200 locations across the United States. Known for his keen business acumen, Smidt transformed Harbor Freight from a small mail-order business into a retail giant. He is also a notable philanthropist, with significant contributions to education and healthcare.

Lorenzo Fertitta is an American businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist best known for his role in transforming the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) into a global sports phenomenon. As a co-founder of Zuffa, LLC, and former CEO of UFC, Fertitta has had a significant impact on the sports and entertainment industry. His business acumen extends to gaming, hospitality, and investments, positioning him as one of the most influential figures in modern sports management.

John Fredriksen is a Norwegian-born Cypriot shipping magnate and one of the most influential figures in the global shipping industry. He is best known for his ownership of the world's largest oil tanker fleet and significant stakes in various shipping and offshore drilling companies.

Renata Kellnerova is a prominent Czech businesswoman and philanthropist, widely known as the widow of Petr Kellner, the founder of PPF Group. She has played a significant role in maintaining and expanding the family's business empire following her husband's death, becoming one of the most influential women in the business world.

Donald Bren is an American businessman and philanthropist, known as the chairman and owner of the Irvine Company, one of the largest real estate companies in the United States. He has been instrumental in developing and transforming the landscape of Orange County, California. With a keen focus on urban planning and sustainable development, Bren is one of the most influential figures in the real estate industry.

Charlotte Söderström, a Swedish billionaire heiress and businesswoman, is part of the influential Persson family, known for their ownership of H&M, the global fashion retail giant. Though she maintains a lower public profile compared to her siblings, her contributions to the family business and her involvement in equestrian sports make her a notable figure in the business world.