Noël Essers, longtime leader of H.Essers, has transformed the family business founded in 1928 into one of Europe’s largest logistics and transport powerhouses. Under his stewardship, the Belgian company expanded from a regional trucking operator into a multinational provider of supply-chain solutions across pharmaceuticals, chemicals, high-value goods, warehousing, and multimodal transport. Essers spearheaded decades of strategic acquisitions, large-scale infrastructure investments, and technology upgrades, positioning H.Essers as a key partner for Europe’s most demanding industries. Known for his disciplined, long-term vision and strong family-business culture, he remains one of Belgium’s most influential industrial entrepreneurs.

Jef Colruyt, chairman and former CEO of the Colruyt Group, leads one of Europe’s most efficient and respected retail empires, built on a disciplined focus on low prices, operational simplicity, and long-term family stewardship. Taking the helm in 1994, he expanded the Belgian retailer into a diversified group spanning supermarkets, wholesale distribution, fuel stations, renewable energy, and digital services, all while maintaining a culture of frugality and sustainability. Under his leadership, Colruyt strengthened its position as the dominant price leader in Belgium and a key player in European retail. Known for his understated style and values-driven governance, Jef Colruyt remains one of the continent’s most influential family-business leaders.

Joe Shoen, longtime chairman and CEO of AMERCO, the parent company of U-Haul, has spent decades shaping one of America’s most iconic consumer and logistics brands. Taking the helm in 1986 after a highly publicized family dispute, Shoen streamlined operations, expanded the truck and trailer fleet, and strengthened U-Haul’s nationwide network of rental centers, storage facilities, and retail locations. Under his leadership, the company grew into the dominant force in do-it-yourself moving and storage, serving millions of customers each year. Known for his frugal discipline, operational focus, and deep understanding of middle-class America, Shoen remains one of the most enduring and influential leaders in the transportation and self-storage industries.

Jim Thompson, founder and chairman of Crown Worldwide Group, built one of the world’s leading logistics, relocation, and records management companies from a single operation in Japan in 1965. Over six decades, he expanded Crown into a global enterprise with offices in nearly 50 countries, serving multinational corporations, governments, and private clients with services ranging from international moving to fine art handling and workplace solutions. Known for his global mindset, disciplined expansion, and commitment to service excellence, Thompson has established Crown as a trusted partner to organizations navigating the complexities of international mobility and logistics.

Jim Crane, billionaire businessman and owner of the Houston Astros, built his fortune through logistics and freight services before becoming one of Major League Baseball’s most successful franchise owners. After founding Eagle Global Logistics and later Crane Worldwide Logistics, he acquired the Astros in 2011 and transformed the team into a championship organization, winning the World Series in 2017 and 2022. Known for his disciplined leadership, data-driven decision-making, and deep involvement in Houston’s business and philanthropic community, Crane has become a defining figure in both sports and global logistics.

Angus “Duke” Reyes is an American billionaire businessman and CEO of Reyes Holdings, a family-run food and beverage distribution giant with over $40 billion in annual sales and nearly 30,000 employees. The youngest brother of co-chairmen Chris and Jude Reyes, Duke leads Reyes Beverage Group and serves on the executive board guiding the firm’s global expansion and operational scale. 

Drayton McLane Jr. is a self-made billionaire business magnate and philanthropist best known for building the McLane Company into a nationwide grocery and logistics powerhouse—growing revenue from $3 million to $19 billion—and later selling it to Walmart in 1990. He served as vice-chairman of Walmart while expanding The McLane Group, a family-owned holding company investing globally. He also owned and led the Houston Astros from 1993 to 2011 as chairman and CEO, becoming the first Texas team to reach the World Series under his tenure.

Bradley “Brad” Jacobs is an American serial entrepreneur and dealmaker renowned for founding and steering multiple multibillion‑dollar companies—including United Waste, United Rentals, XPO Logistics, GXO, RXO, and now QXO. He’s completed more than 500 acquisitions across logistics, waste, and equipment rental, introducing an unusual leadership style focused on meditation, employee bonding, and operational rigor.

Rafaela Aponte-Diamant is an influential Swiss-Italian businesswoman, co-founder and owner of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the second-largest shipping line in the world. She plays a critical role in the expansion and operations of MSC, alongside her husband, Gianluigi Aponte. Known for her strategic vision and dedication to the maritime industry, Rafaela has significantly contributed to MSC's success in global shipping and luxury cruises.

Gianluigi Aponte is an Italian billionaire businessman and founder of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the second-largest shipping line in the world. Known for his strategic vision and leadership, Aponte has expanded MSC into a global powerhouse in both container shipping and luxury cruises.

Klaus-Michael Kuehne is a German billionaire known for his significant influence in logistics and transportation industries. He is the majority shareholder and honorary chairman of Kuehne + Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics companies. As of 2023, he is one of the richest people in Germany and has a considerable presence in the global logistics market.