Global Business Hall of Fame Launches Online
May 19, 2020
The Global Business Hall of Fame, presented by JA Worldwide, has officially launched, and eight elite finalists have been selected from the world of business to join the existing laureates. Only four will become the first new laureates in ten years.
From 1975 to 2009, the Business Hall of Fame inducted 247 celebrated laureates. Some were founders of successful companies. Others were CEOs, industry pioneers, or publishers. Each demonstrated a commitment to their communities, both locally and globally. In the ten years since our last induction, both JA and the landscape of business have evolved. So, too, has the Global Business Hall of Fame. Our inspiring laureates are more reflective of our global reach into over 100 countries, of the diversity of JA students, and of the many ways in which the business world has changed since 1975. We’re committed to ensuring more representation from women, from countries around the world, and from a wide range of diverse industries.
The Global Business Hall of Fame creates an opportunity for communities around the world to celebrate and recognize innovators and leaders in business. Nominees demonstrate a commitment to global good in alignment with the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs or Global Goals) with a specific focus on those closely aligned with JA’s work, namely 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 17.
The eight 2020 finalists fall into two categories—Leader and Innovator.
Leader:
An executive-level professional who is an inspiration to others, the Leader’s contributions have advanced the landscape of business with a focus on improving the lives of others. As a result, the Leader has led companies and initiatives toward the Global Goals and is a role model who exhibits social values, inclusivity, and a global point of view. The Leader is likely to have led with a large scope of responsibility, resources, and talent (for example, 200+ employees, $3+ million annual revenue).
Innovator:
Under 40 years of age, entrepreneurial in spirit, and community focused, the Innovator is changing the landscape globally or has emerged on the global stage as a result of his or her work. The Innovator is inspirational, full of energy, passionate about work, courageous, and promotes change and innovation on behalf of the global good.
On May 20, the eight finalists were put forth to the voting jury. To ensure fairness and transparency, the process involves checking performed by PwC as the Global Integrity Partner of the Global Business Hall of Fame. PwC looks at JA Worldwide's processes for entry evaluation, manages the committee selection of the top eight finalists, and provides the Voting Jury platform. Read more about the nomination and voting process. The 2020 inductees will be announced this summer. Stay tuned!