Henri Fayol was a French management theorist born in 1841, known for his significant contributions to the field of management. He developed a theory that emphasized the importance of management in organizations, proposing that it could be taught and learned. Fayol identified five primary functions of management: planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling, which are still relevant today. Fayol also introduced 14 principles of management, such as division of work and unity of command, which guide effective organizational practices. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern management theories and continue to influence how businesses operate and are structured in the contemporary world.