In the Sonic the Hedgehog series, the character known simply as Businessman, or Boss, is a human resident of Empire City. His real name is never disclosed, a choice he makes for professional reasons. As a successful businessman who traveled the world to see his clients, he was described as someone who could move billions with a snap of his fingers. His life was governed by the principles of his career; he viewed life as short and time as money, which led him to focus solely on his own needs and ambitions.

The course of his life changes dramatically after the events of Sonic Unleashed, when the planet is shattered by Dark Gaia's awakening. Stranded in the city of Spagonia due to the global catastrophe, he meets Sonic the Hedgehog and his companion Chip, explaining his frustration at being unable to reach his other clients. While stuck in Spagonia, he has a brief encounter with a young girl named Ippolita, who tries to engage him in friendly conversation. Despite his initial dismissal of her, he begins to observe her from a distance. He notices her working tirelessly, doing both her own chores and her grandmother's late into the night, which causes him to worry about her wellbeing.

As the planet begins to reform and travel becomes possible again, the Businessman continues his work, traveling to Mazuri and later Apotos and Shamar. However, he finds he cannot focus on his urgent jobs, as his thoughts keep returning to Ippolita. His response to this newfound concern is to send her anonymous gifts, first a box of her favorite treats and later a white bouquet. He enlists Sonic to deliver these presents, insisting his identity remain a secret because he feels it would complicate the transaction. Through these small acts of kindness, inspired by Ippolita's hard work and cheerful spirit, he discovers a sense of joy in making others happy. He admits that the feeling of helping others has blossomed within him because of her.

After returning to Empire City, the Businessman is fired from his job due to budget cuts and downsizing. Having only ever looked after himself, he finds himself alone without anyone's support. Despite this hardship, he remains grateful to Ippolita for showing him a different way to live. He later learns from Sonic that Ippolita's grandmother is sick and mistreating her. Wanting to help, he recalls a miracle medicine he once saw in Chun-nan, created by a man named Zonshen, and asks Sonic to retrieve it for the girl. When Sonic successfully delivers the medicine, the Businessman is overjoyed to learn that Ippolita's grandmother was not mean, but merely cranky from chronic pain, and that Ippolita had been doing the chores to help her recover. He also learns that Ippolita had figured out he was the one sending the gifts and asked Sonic to thank him, which he notes might be the first time anyone has ever expressed gratitude to him. Reinvigorated by the experience, he decides to pursue a new career focused on humanitarian work, seeking a job that would make everyone happy.

In terms of personality, the Businessman initially embodies the traits of a shrewd and self-centered professional, viewing relationships and time as transactional. His character development is central to his role in the story, as his encounters with Ippolita and his requests for Sonic's help transform him into a more altruistic and community-minded individual. His notable abilities are not physical or combative but rather his sharp observational skills, his financial acumen, and his capacity for strategic planning, all of which he eventually redirects toward helping others. His key relationship is with Ippolita, who serves as his moral catalyst, though he also forms a cooperative and grateful bond with Sonic, who acts as his courier and confidant throughout his journey of personal change.