J. K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling is a globally recognized author and philanthropist, renowned for creating the best-selling Harry Potter series, and has since expanded her literary contributions with successful adult fiction and crime novels under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. After the global publication of her debut novel ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ on June 26, 1997, J.K. Rowling launched one of the best-selling book series in history, establishing a monumental literary and entertainment franchise.

That same year, she launched The Volant Charitable Trust and published the companion volumes ‘Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them’ and ‘Quidditch Through the Ages’ in 2001. Following the conclusion of the Harry Potter series in 2007, Rowling diversified her literary output. In 2012, she released her first adult novel, ‘The Casual Vacancy,’ which quickly became a bestseller. She further ventured into crime fiction under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, debuting the Cormoran Strike series with ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ in 2013, a series that has garnered critical acclaim.

Her philanthropic endeavors continued with co-founding Lumos in 2005, a charity dedicated to ending the institutionalization of children. Rowling’s contributions were recognized with numerous international accolades, including Spain’s Prince of Asturias Award for Concord in 2003 and being appointed Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009. She also launched Pottermore in 2011, an e-book publisher and interactive content portal. Her creative reach extended into new mediums with the premiere of the stage play ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ in 2016.

Her enduring philanthropic legacy continues to grow, with Forbes estimating her charitable giving to exceed US$200 million by 2025. This commitment to social change is further exemplified by the J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund, which launched in 2025, dedicated to supporting women’s causes globally.