Joseph Rowntree was a British businessman and philanthropist, born in 1836 in York, England. He is best known for founding the Rowntree's chocolate company, which became famous for its high-quality confectionery products, including Kit Kat and Aero. Rowntree was also a pioneer in social reform, advocating for better working conditions and fair wages for his employees. In addition to his business success, Rowntree was deeply committed to social issues. He established the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in 1904, aimed at tackling poverty and promoting social justice. His legacy continues through various initiatives that focus on improving the lives of disadvantaged communities in the UK.