Richard Fairbank, founder and CEO of Capital One, reshaped consumer finance by applying data science and direct marketing to credit, turning a niche issuer into one of America’s largest banks. After early roles in consulting and banking, Fairbank launched Capital One in the 1990s with a belief that analytics could price risk more precisely and expand access to credit. Under his leadership, the company grew into a diversified financial institution spanning credit cards, auto lending, and consumer banking, while investing heavily in technology and digital-first operations. Known for long-term execution and analytical rigor, Fairbank remains a defining architect of modern fintech-driven banking.

Dick DeVos, businessman and former CEO of Amway, is a member of one of America’s most prominent entrepreneurial families, helping expand the global direct-selling giant founded by his father, Rich DeVos. During his leadership, DeVos focused on international growth and organizational modernization while maintaining Amway’s multi-generational ownership structure. Beyond business, he is a major civic and philanthropic figure in Michigan, supporting education, healthcare, and community development, and he has also been active in politics and public policy debates. His career reflects a blend of family enterprise stewardship, institutional leadership, and regional impact.

Richard Barton, serial entrepreneur and cofounder of Zillow and Expedia, has repeatedly built category-defining consumer internet companies by applying transparency, data, and user-first design to opaque markets. After helping launch Expedia inside Microsoft, Barton went on to cofound Zillow, reshaping real estate search through pricing data and digital discovery tools, and later founded Glassdoor to bring similar transparency to the labor market. Known for a consistent “power to the people” philosophy, Barton has influenced how millions make decisions about homes, jobs, and travel.

Ric Elias, cofounder and CEO of Red Ventures, built one of the most influential digital media and marketing platforms by combining performance marketing with data-driven consumer acquisition. Since launching Red Ventures in 2000, Elias has expanded the company through disciplined reinvestment and major acquisitions, building a diversified portfolio of well-known brands across travel, finance, and home services, including properties such as The Points Guy and Bankrate. Known for an intense execution culture and long-term ownership mindset, Elias has turned Red Ventures into a powerhouse at the intersection of media, commerce, and analytics.

Riaz Valani, founder and CEO of Global Asset Capital, is an emerging market-focused investor known for building diversified portfolios across real estate, private equity, and global public markets. With a background in finance and cross-border investing, Valani has developed a reputation for identifying value in complex international environments, combining macro awareness with disciplined asset allocation. Through his firm and family office activities, he has participated in large-scale transactions and long-term holdings spanning multiple jurisdictions. Valani’s profile reflects quiet influence, global reach, and a patient capital approach.

Reinhold Schmieding, founder and CEO of Arthrex, built one of the world’s most influential orthopedic device companies by focusing on minimally invasive surgical innovation. After launching Arthrex in 1981, Schmieding transformed it into a global leader in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and surgical implants, supplying cutting-edge tools and techniques to surgeons worldwide. Known for obsessive product development, surgeon education, and privately held discipline, he scaled Arthrex into a multibillion-dollar enterprise while maintaining a strong culture of engineering and clinical excellence.

Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn, is one of Silicon Valley’s most influential entrepreneurs and investors, known for shaping professional networking at global scale. After early roles at PayPal and Socialnet, Hoffman launched LinkedIn in 2002, turning it into the world’s dominant platform for career identity, recruiting, and business relationships before its landmark acquisition by Microsoft. As a partner at Greylock, he backed major companies including Airbnb and Facebook, while also becoming a prominent public intellectual through books, podcasts, and AI advocacy. Hoffman’s work blends network economics, venture investing, and strategic thinking about the future of technology.

Reed Hastings, cofounder and former CEO of Netflix, reshaped global entertainment by transforming a DVD-by-mail startup into the world’s dominant streaming platform. Under his leadership, Netflix pioneered subscription streaming, disrupted traditional media distribution, and later reinvented television again by investing heavily in original programming and global content production. Known for his bold strategic pivots, data-driven culture, and the influential “Netflix culture deck,” Hastings helped build one of the most impactful consumer technology companies of the modern era. Beyond business, he is a major philanthropist focused on education reform and civic initiatives.

Raymond J. Harbert, founder and CEO of Harbert Management Corporation, built a major alternative investment platform spanning private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and credit. After starting his career in banking and leveraged finance, Harbert founded his firm in 1993 and grew it into a global manager serving institutions and high-net-worth investors with long-term, diversified strategies. Known for disciplined capital allocation and a conservative, steady approach across market cycles, Harbert has also become a prominent philanthropist supporting education, medical research, and civic initiatives, particularly in the American South.

Ray Davis, cofounder of Energy Transfer Partners, built a multibillion-dollar fortune in U.S. midstream energy by expanding pipeline and logistics infrastructure across natural gas and liquids. Working alongside Kelcy Warren, he helped scale Energy Transfer into one of the nation’s largest energy networks through aggressive acquisitions and large-scale development. Beyond energy, Davis is the majority owner of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, playing a central role in turning the franchise into a modern sports business and ultimately overseeing its rise to a World Series championship. Known for a low public profile and long-term mindset, he remains a powerful figure in both energy and sports ownership.

Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, built the world’s largest hedge fund by combining radical transparency, systematic decision-making, and macroeconomic insight. Starting Bridgewater in 1975 from a small apartment, Dalio developed a research-driven approach to global markets that made the firm a dominant force in institutional investing. Known for pioneering “risk parity,” shaping corporate culture through principles-based management, and sharing frameworks for decision-making, Dalio became one of the most influential thinkers in modern finance. Beyond investing, he is a major philanthropist and an active voice on global economic and geopolitical trends.

Randal Nardone, cofounder and co-CEO of Fortress Investment Group, helped build one of the most influential alternative asset managers by scaling institutional investing across credit, real estate, and special situations. After early experience at BlackRock and UBS, Nardone cofounded Fortress in 1998 and guided its evolution into a global platform managing tens of billions through market cycles. Under his leadership, Fortress became known for opportunistic, asset-based investing and disciplined risk management, culminating in its acquisition by SoftBank. Nardone remains a defining figure in modern alternative investing and private capital strategy.

Randal J. Kirk, biotech entrepreneur and investor, built his fortune by creating and scaling life-sciences companies focused on drug development, specialty pharmaceuticals, and healthcare innovation. Best known as the founder of Intrexon and as the driving force behind multiple public biotech ventures, Kirk has pursued an aggressive strategy of acquiring scientific platforms, recruiting top research talent, and commercializing high-value therapies. His long-term influence spans pharmaceuticals, genetics, and medical technology, reflecting a rare ability to combine capital markets skill with scientific ambition.

Ramzi Musallam, CEO of Veritas Capital, built one of the most powerful private equity platforms focused on mission-critical software, defense, healthcare, and government services. Since taking the helm in 2012, Musallam has scaled Veritas through a disciplined strategy of acquiring complex, data-rich businesses with long-term contracts and high barriers to entry, then driving transformation through operational modernization and technology upgrades. Known for high-conviction dealmaking and deep sector specialization, he has positioned Veritas as a leading buyer of strategic assets at the intersection of technology and national infrastructure.

Ralph Lauren, founder of Ralph Lauren Corporation, built one of the most iconic luxury lifestyle brands in the world by transforming American style into a global symbol of aspiration. Starting with a single line of neckties in the late 1960s, he created a brand universe spanning fashion, fragrance, home, and hospitality—anchored by timeless design, storytelling, and impeccable merchandising. Through decades of disciplined brand control and cultural influence, Lauren turned his name into a multibillion-dollar global empire and remains a defining figure in modern fashion and brand building.

Rakesh Gangwal, cofounder of IndiGo, helped build India’s largest airline by applying rigorous cost discipline, operational simplicity, and scale economics to commercial aviation. Drawing on decades of global airline experience, including senior roles at United Airlines and US Airways, Gangwal co-launched IndiGo in 2006 with a sharp focus on on-time performance, single-aircraft fleets, and low-cost efficiency. The strategy transformed IndiGo into the dominant carrier in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, reshaping air travel across India.

Rajiv Jain, founder and chief investment officer of GQG Partners, built one of the fastest-growing global asset managers by applying a disciplined, long-term approach to emerging and developed market equities. After a long tenure at Vontobel, Jain launched GQG in 2016 with a focus on fundamental research, downside protection, and concentrated portfolios. The firm quickly scaled to manage tens of billions of dollars for institutions and wealth clients worldwide, earning a reputation for resilience across volatile market cycles. Jain is known for his independent thinking, conservative risk posture, and consistent performance.

Raj Sardana, founder and CEO of Innova Solutions, built a global technology and workforce solutions company by focusing on scalable delivery, long-term client partnerships, and operational discipline. Starting with a small IT services firm, Sardana expanded Innova into a multinational platform providing digital transformation, engineering, and talent solutions across North America, Europe, and Asia. His growth strategy emphasizes organic expansion, selective acquisitions, and consistent execution, positioning Innova as a trusted partner for enterprises navigating complex technology and staffing needs.

Purnendu Chatterjee, founder and chairman of The Chatterjee Group, built a diversified global investment firm by taking concentrated, long-term positions in industrial, chemical, consumer, and infrastructure businesses. A former partner at Soros Fund Management, Chatterjee applies activist discipline and operational focus to complex situations, often partnering closely with management to drive strategic change. His portfolio has included significant stakes across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, reflecting a patient, hands-on approach to value creation.

Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay, created one of the internet’s earliest and most enduring marketplaces by enabling peer-to-peer commerce at global scale. Launching eBay in 1995, Omidyar built trust mechanisms and open access that allowed millions of individuals and small businesses to transact online, helping define modern e-commerce. After stepping back from day-to-day operations, he focused on impact investing and philanthropy through the Omidyar Network, backing initiatives in financial inclusion, governance, journalism, and technology for social good.