Solomon Lew

$2.01 B

Ranked #2010 in World

About Solomon Lew

Australian business magnate Solomon Lew, born to immigrant parents in Melbourne in 1945, has cemented his position in global retail with a net worth of A$3.97 billion. An esteemed figure in apparel and toy imports, and retail investments, Lew was ousted from Coles Myer but made a triumphant return to his company, Premier Investments, as chairman. His business acumen has not only earned him a place in the World Retail Hall of Fame but also controversies like the Yannon transaction. Despite personal upheavals, Lew remains influential, veering Premier towards international acclaim.

Born

March 22, 1945 in Brunswick, Melbourne, Australia

Age

81 years

Source Of Wealth

Retail

Industries

Fashion & Retail

Citizenship

Australia

Residence

Melbourne

Spouse

Rose Lew AM (separated)

Solomon Lew was born on March 22, 1945, in Melbourne, Australia, to Polish Jewish immigrants Esther and Pinkus Lew. His father was actively involved in the Jewish community and established a textiles business. Solomon Lew received his education at Mount Scopus Memorial College.

Solomon Lew: Family

Solomon Lew was married to Rosie Lew for forty years before they separated in 2014. They have three children together: Peter, Steven, and Jacqueline, all of whom are involved in the Lew's business empire. Solomon Lew is Jewish and a member of the Chabad House synagogue in Malvern, Victoria.

Solomon Lew: Career Highlights

Solomon Lew's principal activities involve importing apparel, toys, and other goods from China, as well as investments, mainly in retail companies. He started his first business, Voyager Solo, at the age of 18. Lew made takeover bids for John Martin & Co. and OPSM in the 1980s and obtained a 10% stake in Myer Emporium Ltd. He also proposed a takeover bid for Cadbury Schweppes.

Lew became chairman of Coles Myer (now Coles Group) but was later voted out by shareholders. He attempted to resurrect Ansett Airlines with Lindsay Fox after its collapse in 2001. Lew rejoined the board of his public company, Premier Investments, in 2008 and became its chairman.

Solomon Lew: Companies

Solomon Lew has been involved with several companies throughout his career. He started Voyager Solo at a young age and later became chairman of Coles Myer. Lew also formed a consortium with Lindsay Fox to acquire Ansett Airlines and is currently the chairman of Premier Investments.

Solomon Lew: Major Achievements

Solomon Lew has achieved significant success in the business world. He was inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame in 2016 and has a net worth estimated at A$3.97 billion (2023) by The Australian Financial Review and US$1.46 billion (2019) by Forbes.

Solomon Lew: Awards & Achievements

In addition to his induction into the World Retail Hall of Fame, Solomon Lew has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the business community.

These include the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1986 and the Australian Businessman of the Year Award in 1991.

Solomon Lew: Personal Life & Legacy

Solomon Lew is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated $450,000 to the National Gallery of Victoria for an art acquisition and gifted A$170 million to each of his children from the "Lew Custodian Trust" in 1999. Lew is also active in the United Israel Appeal and founded its Action for Israel division.

Solomon Lew: Trivia

Solomon Lew is a controversial figure in the business world. He has been involved in several controversial transactions, including the Yannon transaction and the Etiket trust, which resulted in significant financial losses. Despite these controversies, Lew remains a prominent figure in the Australian business community.

Wealth History

Timeline

March 22, 1945

Solomon Lew is born in Melbourne, Australia, to Polish Jewish immigrants Esther and Pinkus Lew.

1963

Lew starts his first business, Voyager Solo, at the age of 18.

1980s

Lew makes takeover bids for John Martin & Co. and OPSM.

1987

Lew obtains a 10% stake in Myer Emporium Ltd. and proposes a takeover bid for Cadbury Schweppes.

1997

Lew becomes chairman of Coles Myer (now Coles Group).

2001

Lew attempts to resurrect Ansett Airlines with Lindsay Fox after its collapse.

2002

Lew is removed from the Coles Myer board after a campaign by Chairman Stan Wallis.

2008

Lew rejoins the board of his public company, Premier Investments, and becomes its chairman.

2014

Lew separates from his wife of forty years, Rosie Lew.

2016

Lew is inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame.

Solomon Lew : FAQs

What is Solomon Lew's current net worth?

Solomon Lew's current net worth is $2.01 billion.

What is Solomon Lew's current global rank among billionaires?

Solomon Lew holds the 2010th position globally among billionaires.

What is Solomon Lew's current ranking within the Australia?

Solomon Lew holds the 36th position in Australia.

What was the change in Solomon Lew's net worth compared to the previous year?

Solomon Lew's net worth decreased by 25.76 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 2.03 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Solomon Lew's net worth?

Solomon Lew's net worth decreased by 2.03 million dollars recently, a 0.1% decrease, with his net worth standing at 2.01 billion dollars.

What are Solomon Lew's main sources of wealth?

Solomon Lew's main source of income comes from Retail.

In which industry does Solomon Lew primarily operate?

Solomon Lew is primarily involved in the Fashion & Retail industry.

How old is Solomon Lew?

Solomon Lew is 81 years old.

How many children does Solomon Lew have?

Solomon Lew has 3 children.

Who is Solomon Lew and what are his main business activities?

Solomon Lew is a renowned Australian businessman born on March 22, 1945 in Melbourne. His primary business dealings include importing apparel, toys, and various goods from China, besides significant investments, particularly in retail companies. He initiated his career in commerce with the launching of Voyager Solo at the tender age of 18.

What are some key milestones in Solomon Lew's business career?

Throughout his expansive business career, Solomon Lew has made several high-profile takeover bids, including those for John Martin & Co. and OPSM in the 1980s. He was notably Chairman of Coles Myer, involved in the controversial Yannon transaction, and endeavored to revive Ansett Airlines with Lindsay Fox in 2001. Today, he presides as Chairman of Premier Investments, establishing a significant retail footprint globally.

Can you tell us about Solomon Lew's early life and the foundation of his family's legacy?

Solomon Lew was born to Esther and Pinkus Lew, Polish Jewish immigrants in Melbourne. His father played a considerable role in the Jewish community and founded a textiles business. Solomon attended Mount Scopus Memorial College, dovetailing his family's entrepreneurial spirit with his own endeavors in business.

What is known about Solomon Lew's personal life and his philanthropic efforts?

Solomon Lew, after separating from his wife Rosie Lew in 2014, is a father to three children, all actively partaking in the family's business empire. A devout Jew, Lew is part of the Chabad House synagogue in Malvern, Victoria. His generosity is noted in his active role with the United Israel Appeal and his substantial donations to the National Gallery of Victoria and establishing the Action for Israel division.