Kenneth Lay was an American businessman best known as the founder and former CEO of Enron Corporation, an energy company based in Houston, Texas. Born on April 15, 1942, Lay played a significant role in the company's rise during the 1990s, promoting innovative energy trading and deregulation. However, Enron's success was short-lived, as it became embroiled in one of the largest corporate scandals in U.S. history. In 2001, the company filed for bankruptcy, leading to Lay's indictment on charges of fraud and conspiracy. He passed away on July 5, 2006, before his trial concluded.