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Solomon Lew
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Solomon Lew (born 22 March 1945) is an Australian businessman. His principal commercial activities involve importing apparel, toys and other goods into Australia from China and investments, mainly in retail companies.

Key Information

As a teenager, Lew supplied dresses to the Myer Emporium in Melbourne using his company Voyager Solo.[1] In 2014 Lew built a ten per cent stake in David Jones after South African retailer Woolworths launched a takeover bid for the department store.[1] Lew was formerly a director then chairman of Coles Myer until voted out by shareholders. He was also involved in an attempt to resurrect Ansett with Lindsay Fox following its collapse in September 2001. In 2008 he returned to the board of his public company, Premier Investments, and became its chairman.

In 2016 he became the first Australian to be inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame, which recognises the lifetime achievements of retail "legends".[2]

Early life

[edit]

Lew was born in Melbourne to Esther (née Windman) and Pinkus Lew (originally Lewkowicz), Polish Jews from Częstochowa who immigrated to Australia during the Interwar period. His father was active in Melbourne's Jewish community and was vice-president of a landsmanshaft for Częstochowa Jews. Pinkus Lew established a textiles business in Flinders Lane, but died when his son was 12 years old.[3][4]

Lew was educated at Mount Scopus Memorial College.[5] He established his first business, Voyager Solo, at the age of 18. He studied accounting and commerce at night school.[3]

Business career

[edit]

In 1981, Lew's family office Parfit Investments Pty Ltd made a takeover bid for John Martin's, an Adelaide based department store chain.[6] The following year, another of Lew's firms Specular Investments Pty Ltd made an unsuccessful bid for eyewear retailer OPSM.[7]

By 1983 Lew and controlled entities had obtained close to a 10 percent stake in Myer Emporium Ltd.[8] In the same year he proposed a A$50 million takeover bid for the Australian branch of Cadbury Schweppes.[9]

Yannon transaction

[edit]

While chairman of Coles Myer, Lew involved Coles Myer in a deal with a private company Yannon Pty Ltd which ultimately lost Coles Myer A$18 million. An internal Coles investigation endorsed Lew's claim that he knew nothing of the deal, and a subsequent four-year investigation by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) ended with no charges being pursued.[10][11]

ASIC chairman Alan Cameron, acknowledged during the press conference to announce the outcome of the investigation that: "It is worth saying that the original loss suffered by Coles Myer was about A$18 million, and the recovery made by Coles Myer was in excess of A$12 million."[12] Lew contributed to this 1996 settlement with Coles-Myer.[13] Cameron also said that it was "clearly true" that Lew was not guilty of any breaches of the law. When asked if he believed Lew was innocent, Cameron replied: "of course."[12]

ABC Radio's PM program described the transaction:[11]

"The Yannon deal was an undisclosed indemnity given by Coles-Myer to a shelf company called Yannon set up by CS First Boston. It bought shares in a company called Premier, a major shareholder in Coles-Myer controlled by then Executive Chair of Coles, Solomon Lew. It guaranteed Yannon against any losses in the share deal, eventually costing Coles $18 million. Coles retrieved $12 million in a later agreement between itself, Mr Lew and with other parties. The funding of the buying of its own shares, the apparent involvement of the chairman and the lack of disclosure raised serious governance issues for Coles-Myer, and ended with the replacement of almost the entire board of directors and the withdrawal of significant shareholder support."

When Coles Myer's chief financial officer, Philip Bowman, resigned and revealed the details of the transaction it brought a great deal of unwanted public attention to Lew. Bowman's revelations prompted an investigation into whether the Yannon transaction broke the Corporations Law or other laws that lasted five years and gathered a quarter of a million pages of documents and twelve thousand pages of evidence. The ASIC recommended criminal prosecution against Lew in its brief, although the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, who had the final decision, decided not to proceed with criminal charges against Lew, Lew's advisers, or those working within Coles Myer. The Chairman of ASIC told the ABC:

"I think where the community would have had concern is if the community had felt that a transaction was beyond investigation in some way. This transaction was not beyond investigation."

The Etiket transaction

[edit]

Another controversial business transaction involving Lew related to a single purpose trust called Etiket. The beneficiaries were Lew's family. The trust was used to acquire 2% of Coles Myer in 1989, at a time of high interest rates. Lew offered competing explanations for what happened next. But the end result was that the Coles Myer shares were assigned to Premier Investments for an A$8 million profit. A Queen's Counsel who investigated the transaction said:[14]

Well, he very simply bought them for $8.20. There was no substantial movement of the share price, but he sold them to Premier for $9.00. He made 80 cents a share, or $8 million, in four weeks.

TESNA

[edit]

Lew and Lindsay Fox formed a consortium to acquire Ansett Airlines after it had an administrator appointed. They sought and obtained the exclusive right to negotiate to purchase the airline. They obtained the agreement of various stakeholders in the airline, including trade union members and their representatives. Greg Combet, the secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions said Lew had breached 'repeated commitments'.[15] During this time spent negotiating, the administrators had been persuaded to continue to operate the airline despite heavy losses which reduced the amount ultimately available to creditors, which included employees owed entitlements. Lew and Fox had committed to take on A$183 million of these entitlement obligations if they acquired the company. These commitments and their statements that they could and would proceed with the acquisition led the trade unions with members involved in the business to support the bid. The consequence of Lew's withdrawal was much embarrassment for the ACTU, which had strongly supported the Lew-Fox bid.

Coles Myer board

[edit]

In September 2002, a resolution to remove Lew from the Board of Coles Myer was successful after Stan Wallis, the chairman of the company, campaigned for Lew's removal. Wallis successfully lobbied major institutional shareholders, including insurance companies, banks and large investment firms to take the rare action of voting against an incumbent director. Prior to the vote, Lew campaigned heavily spending an estimated A$10 million campaigning for his re-election focusing mainly on smaller shareholders.[16][17] He was successful in obtaining millions of proxies but they were ultimately insufficient.[citation needed]

Premier Investments, Just Group and Myer deal

[edit]

In March 2008, Lew returned to the public company stage, rejoining the board of the listed company Premier Investments, as its chairman. At the same time, Premier announced a takeover offer for Just Group, one of Australia's largest retailers which owns Just Jeans, Portmans, Dotti, Peter Alexander Sleepwear, Jay Jays, Smiggle and Jacqui E. Analysts criticised the offer for being too low and comprising less than half in cash. In publicly explaining his offer, Lew said Just Group was trading worse than had been disclosed to the investment community.

Premier's stationery brand Smiggle was profitable in its first year in the United Kingdom after launching in 2015.[18] The brand was subsequently launched in Hong Kong and Malaysia in 2016.[19] Smiggle's first global flagship store was opened on London's Oxford Street in 2018, along with the first concession outlet in department store Selfridges.[20]

Premier Investments owns a 31 per cent stake in Myer.[21] It also holds a 25.5 per cent stake in appliance maker Breville worth $970.5 million.[22]

In late October 2024, Premier and Myer announced they had reached a deal for Myer to buy Premier's Apparel Brands division (comprising the fashion brands Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans and Dotti). As part of the transaction, Myer will issue new shares (worth $863.78 million) to Premier Investments, while Premier will contribute $82 million to the business. Lew will join the Myer board as a non-executive director and the deal would make him Myer's largest shareholder with a personal stake of 26.8 per cent. The deal requires approval from the shareholders of both companies.[23][24]

Personal life

[edit]

In 2014 Lew separated from Rosie Lew AM, his wife of forty years.[25] Their three children are active in the Lew's business empire including Peter, who is the chairman of P Lew Investment Group and the owner of the BrandBank Group of Companies. He is married to Ally Lew and has three children; Steven, who married Sarah Nowoweiski in 2003 and filed for divorce in 2011.[26] They have two children;[27] and Jacqueline, who married Adam Priester in 1999 and filed for divorce in 2011.[26] They have four children.

Lew is Jewish and is a member of the Chabad House synagogue in Malvern, Victoria.[28][26] He was active in the United Israel Appeal from the late 1960s and in the early 1980s founded its Action for Israel division.[29]

In 1986, Lew donated $450,000 to the National Gallery of Victoria to fund the acquisition of Glenara, a painting by Eugene von Guerard.[5]

In 1999, each of his children were gifted A$170 million from the "Lew Custodian Trust".[30]

Net worth

[edit]

As of May 2025, Lew's net worth was assessed by the Australian Financial Review as A$4.11 billion, published in the 2025 Rich List.[31] As of May 2025, Lew was one of seven living Australians who have appeared in every Financial Review Rich List, or its predecessor, the BRW Rich 200, since it was first published in 1984.[32][33]

In January 2019 his net worth was estimated by Forbes Asia as US$1.46 billion as published in the list of Australia's 50 richest people;[34][35][36] and Lew was ranked 33rd on The Australian's Richest 250 List.[when?][37]

Year Financial Review
Rich List 		Forbes
Australia's 50 richest
Rank Net worth
A$ 		Rank Net worth
US$
2014[38][39]
2015[40][41]
2016[40][42]
2017[43] 19 $2.38 billion Increase
2018[44] 23 Decrease $2.55 billion Increase
2019[45][34] 24 Decrease $2.83 billion Increase 28 $1.46 billion Increase
2020[46] 24 Steady $3.72 billion Increase
2021[47] 23 Increase $4.37 billion Increase
2022 25 Decrease $4.20 billion Decrease
2023[32] 25 Steady $3.97 billion Decrease
2024[48] 24 Increase $4.72 billion Increase
2025[31] 37 Decrease $4.11 billion Decrease
Legend
Icon Description
Steady Has not changed from the previous year
Increase Has increased from the previous year
Decrease Has decreased from the previous year

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Solomon Lew

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Solomon Lew is an Australian retail and businessman, best known as the chairman and of Premier Investments Limited, a major apparel and investment company. With over 50 years of experience in the manufacture, wholesale, and retailing of textiles, apparel, and general merchandise, as well as property development, Lew has shaped Australia's retail landscape through strategic investments and leadership roles. Born in in 1945 to Polish Jewish immigrants, he entered the industry young after his father's death, initially working in the family tailoring business before launching his own ventures in importing and retail. Lew's career highlights include founding and expanding key retail brands under Premier Investments, such as Just Jeans, Dotti, Peter Alexander, and , while serving as the company's largest shareholder through Century Plaza Investments Pty Ltd. He previously chaired Coles Myer Limited from 1991 to 1995 and held various executive positions there until 2002, influencing major corporate deals in the sector. Lew holds a significant stake in Holdings through his personal investments, while Premier Investments maintains a significant stake in , bolstering his influence in Australian department stores and consumer goods. In 2025, acquired Premier's apparel brands in a share swap, with Premier later distributing these shares to its shareholders as a special in February 2025, consolidating Lew's portfolio into one of the region's largest retail entities. As of May 2025, Lew's stands at A$4.1 billion, reflecting a slight decline from the previous year amid retail market fluctuations, positioning him among Australia's richest individuals. His achievements include becoming the first Australian inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame in 2016, alongside figures like and . Beyond business, Lew has contributed to public service as a former board member of the and a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council, and he has been actively involved in , serving as inaugural chairman of the Mount Scopus Foundation from 1987 to 2013 to support .

Early life

Family background

Solomon Lew was born on 22 March 1945 in , , to Polish Jewish immigrants Esther (née Windman) and Pinkus (originally Lewkowicz) Lew, from . His parents had arrived in during the , fleeing pre-war amid rising and economic hardship in . They traveled on a tramp steamer, bringing only their bedding, a few objects for Jewish observance, and the clothes on their backs, reflecting the stark challenges faced by many Jewish refugees seeking safety abroad. Pinkus Lew, Lew's father, was deeply involved in Melbourne's Jewish community, serving as vice-president of a landsmanshaft—a mutual aid society—for Jews from Częstochowa, Poland, and founding a small textiles business that operated in the post-war years. The family lived in a working-class environment in Melbourne's inner suburbs, such as Brunswick, where they navigated the difficulties of integration as recent immigrants, including language barriers and limited resources in the aftermath of global conflict. Pinkus died when Lew was 12 years old, leaving the family to confront further economic pressures in the 1950s. Lew was raised in a devout Jewish household, immersed in cultural and religious traditions that emphasized community ties and observance, shaped by his parents' experiences as Jewish immigrants who had fled before the outbreak of . This upbringing in a modest, immigrant milieu fostered a strong sense of resilience amid the broader struggles of Jewish families rebuilding lives in Australia's multicultural landscape. The family's emphasis on , especially following his father's death, later influenced Lew's transition to and early .

Education and early ventures

Solomon Lew received his primary and at , a leading Jewish day school in . While working in the family business during his late teens, Lew pursued further studies in and through classes. At the age of 18 in 1963, Lew founded his first independent venture, Voyager Solo, which focused on small-scale importing of apparel, toys, and other consumer goods from overseas markets. This early enterprise emphasized wholesale distribution of textiles and merchandise, supplying items such as dresses to major retailers like the Emporium and allowing Lew to build initial capital through high-margin imports amid protective tariffs of the era.

Business career

Initial retail activities

At the age of 18, Solomon Lew established his first business venture, Voyager Solo, in Melbourne's Flinders Lane garment district in the early 1960s, initially focusing on manufacturing and supplying ladies' dresses to major retailers including the Myer Emporium. Building on the Voyager brand originally founded by his late father, Lew incorporated Solo as a label for women's apparel, leveraging his accounting education to manage operations efficiently. By the mid-1970s, Lew had expanded Voyager Solo into wholesale and retail distribution of textiles and apparel, adopting strategies centered on low-cost importing from to reduce expenses and compete in the mass market. He developed robust distribution networks across , enabling broader for imported mass-market while maintaining for select lines. This period marked the diversification into , with Lew establishing import operations that grew into significant wholesale channels by the early , including entities like Playcorp for distribution. Key milestones in the pre-1989 era included partnerships with department stores for apparel supply and the scaling of retail outlets under Voyager Solo, which by the late supported multiple store locations in Victoria and expanded interstate distribution. These efforts solidified Lew's foundation in the apparel and merchandise sectors, emphasizing cost control and efficiency to navigate competitive Australian markets.

Coles Myer involvement

Solomon Lew joined the board of Coles Myer Limited as a in 1985, leveraging his growing influence in the Australian retail sector through family-owned apparel businesses. He was elevated to vice chairman in and became chairman of the board in November 1991, at a time when he held more than a 10 percent stake in the company. Under his leadership, Coles Myer underwent significant restructuring to enhance operational efficiency and focus on core retailing activities. As chairman from 1991 to 1995, and subsequently as executive chairman in 1995 before reverting to vice chairman later that year, Lew oversaw the reorganization of Coles Myer into three primary divisions in 1994: , encompassing supermarkets like Coles and Bi-Lo; Apparel, which included clothing chains such as Katies and Target; and Department Stores, primarily . This strategic realignment aimed to streamline management and capitalize on synergies within each segment, particularly bolstering the apparel division through expanded discount and specialty offerings. In parallel, Lew initiated a major property divestment program in November 1994, selling off non-core assets valued at A$1.25 billion by early 1997 to reduce debt and redirect resources toward retail expansion. These moves facilitated growth in discount formats like and Target, as well as the introduction of specialty stores such as and World 4 Kids, strengthening Coles Myer's competitive position in the apparel and general merchandise markets. Lew's tenure was marked by contentious board dynamics, including his temporary elevation to executive chairman in 1995 amid internal debates over and potential conflicts arising from his family's private apparel interests. He stepped down from the executive role later that year following widespread governance concerns about the separation of his personal business dealings from Coles obligations, though he retained his directorship. Tensions escalated in the early , with board members scrutinizing Lew's associations with suppliers that generated approximately A$60 million annually from Coles contracts. In September 2002, ahead of the annual general meeting, a campaign led by then-chairman Stan Wallis sought Lew's removal, citing ongoing issues and perceived conflicts of interest. At the November 2002 AGM, shareholders voted to oust Lew from the board after his 17-year tenure, ending his direct involvement with the company amid accusations of and lack of transparency. Lew's influence ultimately reshaped Coles Myer's retail by prioritizing of peripheral assets and in apparel and discount segments, which improved profitability and positioned the company for sustained growth in competitive markets during the late . This focus on operational core competencies in property rationalization and apparel expansion laid foundational efficiencies that benefited the group's subsequent performance.

Key transactions and controversies

One of the most notable transactions involving Solomon Lew during his tenure as a director and chairman of Coles Myer was the Yannon deal in 1990. In this arrangement, Coles Myer provided a guarantee for preference shares purchased by Yannon Pty Ltd, a private entity, leading to an $18 million loss for the company when the shares underperformed amid high interest rates. The Australian Securities Commission (ASC) launched an investigation in 1995 into the transaction, scrutinizing potential conflicts of interest given Lew's board position. The ASC probe concluded in June 1996 without finding Lew guilty of any breaches, though it highlighted issues in the deal. In the same year, Lew and associated parties reached a civil settlement with Coles , contributing $12 million to recover a portion of the losses, leaving a net $6 million shortfall for the company. This outcome was part of broader efforts to address the financial impact, with Lew denying prior knowledge of certain aspects of Yannon's operations. Another significant deal was the Etiket transaction in 1989, where Lew, through his associated entity Etiket Pty Ltd, agreed to acquire approximately 2% of Coles shares from Brenmoss Securities at $8.12 per share during a period of elevated interest rates. Coles underwrote the purchase to support the transaction, but it ultimately fell through. In exchange for cancelling the option, Etiket received an $8.1 million fee from Coles , which was transferred to Lew's private interests, including Investments, yielding an $8 million profit. TESNA, an entity formed by Lew in the early , played a role in facilitating related-party transactions with Coles , including share acquisitions and guarantees linked to Lew's broader investment activities. These dealings, enabled by Lew's board position at Coles , drew attention for their potential conflicts. The Yannon and Etiket transactions sparked significant public scrutiny and media coverage in the , with outlets like the Australian Financial Review portraying them as emblematic of governance lapses at Coles . Institutional shareholders, including AMP, criticized the deals for benefiting Lew's private entities at the company's expense, contributing to his ousting as chairman in 1995 amid a high-profile boardroom battle. Legally, the ASC clearance and civil settlements resolved the probes without criminal charges, though they underscored ongoing concerns about related-party transparency in Australian corporate practices.

Ansett Airlines bid

In the aftermath of Ansett Airlines' collapse in September 2001, triggered by financial difficulties at its parent company , Australian businessman Solomon Lew partnered with transport magnate to form the Tesna Holdings consortium and submit a bid for the airline's core assets. The proposal, outlined in November 2001, valued Ansett's mainline operations—including trunk routes and up to 4,000 jobs—at approximately A$1.8 billion, with plans to inject up to A$300 million in equity and lease 29 new aircraft in a A$2.5 billion deal. The bid garnered initial support from unions and the federal government, which pledged A$350 million from a proposed passenger levy, alongside A$150 million and tax concessions from the Victorian government. Tesna's role extended to a confidential 12-point submitted to administrator Mark Korda, which included retaining control of Ansett's A$2 billion freight operations for Fox's and securing the valuable terminal leasehold. However, the plan's structure allowed the to acquire effective control for as little as A$50 million upfront, with no further cash required until June 2002 and potential deferral if Ansett was later floated—prompting Korda to reject it as opportunistic and more focused on property gains than sustainable revival. On February 26, 2002, one day before the deadline, Lew and Fox withdrew the offer, attributing the decision to unresolved negotiations with third parties over access, leasing, and environmental liabilities. The bid's collapse ignited significant controversies, including accusations that its low effective cost undervalued assets and disadvantaged creditors by prioritizing select gains like the terminal lease over full recapitalization. Stakeholders, including employees and administrators, criticized the proposal for misleading expectations of a robust rescue, especially after Tesna had begun hiring staff and promoting frequent-flyer incentives to signal commitment. The withdrawal directly exacerbated the airline's , leading to the immediate loss of 2,800 jobs and delaying entitlements for thousands more workers. The fallout triggered widespread public anger over the job cuts and perceived mishandling of the rescue process, alongside regulatory scrutiny from the , which rejected claims of insufficient support but faced criticism for endorsing the bid prematurely. This backlash, occurring amid ongoing issues at Coles , contributed to mounting discontent that culminated in Lew's ousting as chairman in 2002.

Premier Investments leadership

In March 2008, Solomon Lew was appointed as non-executive chairman of Investments Limited, a role in which he has overseen the company's retail operations and investment portfolio, drawing on his extensive experience from prior retail involvements to emphasize operational efficiency and brand development. Under his , expanded its division, managing key brands such as Peter Alexander (specializing in sleepwear) and (focused on children's stationery and accessories with toy-like appeal), alongside apparel lines including Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Dotti, and Jacqui E. Lew guided strategic initiatives that prioritized apparel and youth-oriented products, including international expansion efforts such as the 2015 launch of in the , where the brand established presence in major retail locations and achieved profitability within its first full year. These strategies also encompassed store refurbishments and network growth, exemplified by Peter Alexander's addition of nine new stores and nine relocations or expansions in fiscal year 2024, alongside investments in capabilities to support global reach in markets like and . To enhance , introduced loyalty programs, including a five-brand initiative for its apparel lines launched in 2024, aimed at fostering cross-brand engagement across and . Premier Investments maintained significant stakes in associated companies under Lew's tenure, holding approximately 31% of Myer Holdings prior to the 2024 transaction and a 25.5% interest in Breville Group, contributing to diversified revenue through dividends and capital appreciation. In October 2024, Premier announced a transformative transaction in which Myer agreed to acquire Premier's Apparel Brands (Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Dotti, and Jacqui E) for approximately A$950 million, structured primarily through the issuance of new Myer shares; this deal resulted in Lew, via his controlled entities, securing a 26.8% stake in the enlarged Myer entity upon completion. Post-transaction, Premier refocused on its core growth brands Peter Alexander and Smiggle, alongside its investments in Breville and the residual Myer holding.

Recent developments

In September 2025, Premier Investments reported its full-year results for FY25, revealing a statutory net profit after tax of A$338.2 million, a 31.1% increase from the previous year, largely driven by the sale of its Apparel Brands to Holdings. However, the company's continuing operations, centered on Peter Alexander and , faced challenges including a sales drop at and broader retail headwinds, contributing to a slip in underlying profit metrics amid ongoing . Chairman Solomon Lew commented that FY25 marked a year of significant change, emphasizing a robust process with and the completion of the Apparel Brands sale as key steps in reshaping the company's structure. Looking ahead, Premier Investments outlined ambitious growth plans for its core brands in late 2025, including the rollout of at least seven new or upsized stores for Peter Alexander in the first half of FY26, with potential for over 15 additional locations, building on four new stores and three expansions completed in FY25. The company also introduced a new for Peter Alexander to enhance and explored international opportunities, such as further expansion following the opening of three stores in late 2024. For Smiggle, despite a 4% decline in early FY26, highlighted potential for recovery through store refurbishments and targeted growth initiatives. Lew expressed in these strategies, shrugging off persistent spending headwinds and cost-of-living pressures as temporary challenges in a resilient retail landscape. In October 2025, Solomon Lew increased his influence over Holdings by boosting his stake through the acquisition of approximately 51.7 million shares, raising speculation about his strategic intentions following the 2024 Apparel Brands deal that provided with a significant shareholding as payment. This move came amid 's reporting of a A$211.2 million statutory loss for FY25, attributed primarily to integration costs from the Apparel Brands acquisition, prompting market speculation about a potential Lew exit or further dealmaking. Despite the headwinds, Lew's actions underscored his ongoing commitment to retail transformation, with analysts noting his history of navigating such volatility.

Personal life

Family

Solomon Lew was married to Rosie Lew for over 40 years until their separation in February 2014. He is currently married to Ally Lew. The couple has three children—Peter, Steven, and Jacqueline—all of whom are actively involved in the family's business empire. oversees operations related to , the stationery and accessories brand under Premier Investments. Steven Lew holds executive roles within , managing aspects of its apparel divisions such as Just Jeans. Jacqueline Lew participates in various family business activities, including distribution rights for brands like . In 1999, Lew transferred A$170 million to each of his children from a trust, intended for business investments or personal use, underscoring the intergenerational transfer of within the enterprise. The maintains Jewish heritage, with roots tracing to Polish immigrants who arrived in after . Their collective roles extend across Premier Investments entities, ensuring continuity in the retail and investment operations.

Philanthropy

Solomon Lew has engaged in philanthropy primarily through low-profile donations and leadership roles supporting cultural institutions, arts, and Jewish community initiatives, often reflecting his ties to the Jewish community. His giving emphasizes education, religious organizations, and cultural preservation, with family members also participating in these efforts. In 1986, Lew and his wife donated A$450,000 to the , enabling the acquisition of Eugene von Guérard's painting Mr Clark's Station, Deep Creek, near Keilor, a significant work in Australian colonial art history. This contribution, supplemented by funds from the National Gallery Society of Victoria, underscored Lew's early support for public art collections. Lew has been a longstanding supporter of Jewish religious and educational causes in . As an observant Jew, he maintains membership in the synagogue in Malvern, where a table is named in his honor, symbolizing his ongoing commitment to the community. His involvement extends to broader Jewish , including active participation in the United Israel Appeal since the late 1960s, with continued support into later decades for initiatives promoting Jewish continuity and education. From 1987 to 2013, Lew served as the inaugural chairman of the Mount Scopus Foundation, which funds , one of Australia's leading Jewish day schools, fostering secular and for generations of students. His family, including wife Rosie Lew AM, has remained involved as foundation members, contributing to scholarships and campus developments. Lew is also recognized as a donor to the Jewish Museum of Australia, supporting its efforts to preserve and exhibit and culture through financial contributions listed in annual reports. In recognition of his philanthropic impact on Jewish causes and education, Tel Aviv University awarded Lew an honorary doctorate in 2022, honoring his decades of quiet support for community-building initiatives.

Net worth

Solomon Lew's net worth was estimated at A$4.1 billion in the Australian Financial Review Rich List published in May 2025. This valuation reflects his substantial holdings in the retail sector, marking a significant increase from US$1.46 billion as reported by Forbes in January 2019. In the Forbes 2025 Billionaires list, Lew ranked #1688 globally with a net worth of US$2.16 billion; as of November 2025, his real-time net worth is US$1.9 billion. His wealth primarily stems from controlling stakes in key retail entities. Lew holds approximately 40% of Premier Investments, the company behind popular apparel brands such as Peter Alexander and . Through personal and associated holdings, he owns about 28% of Holdings following the 2024 merger and subsequent purchases in 2025. Additionally, Premier Investments maintains a 25.4% stake in , the appliance manufacturer, valued at hundreds of millions. Lew's path to billionaire status began with the family importing business he assumed in 1964 at age 18, initially focusing on textiles and coats. Over decades, he expanded through retail acquisitions and consolidations, transforming modest operations into a diversified portfolio of high-performing brands and investments. This trajectory underscores his focus on value-driven retail strategies amid evolving market dynamics. In 2025, the integration of Premier's brands with further bolstered his financial position.

References

  1. https://www.premierinvestments.com.au/about-us/our-directors/
  2. https://www.forbes.com/profile/solomon-lew/
  3. https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/solomon-lew-the-billionaire-behind-smiggle-fcuk-and-david-jones-20160921-grlenk.html
  4. https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/solomon-lew-makes-st-kilda-road-bargain-basement-buy-20250917-p5mvum.html
  5. https://www.goodreturns.in/solomon-lew-net-worth-and-biography-blnr1589.html
  6. https://mabumbe.com/people/solomon-lew-biography-career-highlights-achievements/
  7. https://www.afr.com/politics/rise-and-falter-of-solomon-lew-19951019-k6m5o
  8. https://stocksdownunder.com/solomon-lew-and-premier-investments/
  9. https://www.afr.com/politics/lew-brings-in-heavy-artillery-20021104-k1zt6
  10. https://www.afr.com/politics/solomons-revenge-how-lew-got-even-20070703-jk7y2
  11. https://www.afr.com/politics/how-to-say-yes-the-wisdom-of-solomon-19880302-k2oxm
  12. https://www.afr.com/politics/solomon-lew-the-man-who-cant-let-go-20040408-jkaib
  13. https://www.smh.com.au/business/revenge-is-best-served-cold-for-solomon-lew-in-country-road-play-20140624-3ar7o.html
  14. https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/solomon-lews-buy-and-hold-patience-20170331-gvahhi
  15. https://www.afr.com/politics/solomon-lews-big-mistake-19950915-k6kmm
  16. https://www.afr.com/politics/lew-the-iceman-and-quiet-achiever-19920401-k4wdt
  17. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/coles-myer-ltd-history/
  18. https://www.smh.com.au/business/hauled-over-the-coles-20020914-gdfmv3.html
  19. https://www.theage.com.au/national/lew-to-sever-supply-links-20021014-gduoqd.html
  20. https://www.afr.com/companies/solomon-lews-counter-attack-20030227-ka76c
  21. https://www.smh.com.au/business/lew-heads-for-the-checkout-20021120-gdfucz.html
  22. https://www.afr.com/politics/yannon-lews-long-ordeal-19990501-k8rzu
  23. https://michaelwest.com.au/solomon-lew/
  24. https://www.afr.com/politics/lew-pursues-claim-on-evidence-but-drops-asc-case-19961028-k75iu
  25. https://www.afr.com/politics/lew-knew-all-aspects-of-yannon-asc-19961125-k77eb
  26. https://www.crikey.com.au/2014/07/02/solomon-lews-clever-and-technically-legal-play-for-djs-true-to-form/
  27. https://www.afr.com/companies/etiket-share-deal-passes-asx-listing-committee-19931203-k5qzq
  28. https://www.afr.com/opinion/coles-unhappy-anniversary-19960903-k74jy
  29. https://www.afr.com/politics/lews-great-timing-mistake-19950912-k6kqu
  30. https://www.cnn.com/2001/BUSINESS/asia/11/22/aust.branson.biz/index.html
  31. http://www.cnn.com/2001/BUSINESS/asia/12/14/aust.virgin.biz/index.html
  32. https://www.afr.com/politics/fox-lews-secret-50m-ansett-plan-20011026-j85d2
  33. https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/10/22/SIA-to-advise-on-Ansett-business-plan/9091003723200/
  34. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1008326583816169680
  35. https://www.afr.com/politics/fox-and-lew-ditch-ansett-20020228-k1bs7
  36. https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/heartbreak-for-2800-as-fox-lew-pull-the-plug-20020228-gdu0ae.html
  37. https://www.jewage.org/wiki/he/Article:Solomon_Lew_-_Biography
  38. https://www.cnn.com/2002/BUSINESS/asia/02/28/aust.ansettfollow.biz/index.html?related
  39. https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20080331/pdf/3189g0qllww303.pdf
  40. https://www.premierinvestments.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Premier-Investments-Limited-FY24-Annual-Report.pdf
  41. https://www.premierinvestments.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/20150918-ASX-Release-Final.pdf
  42. https://www.premierinvestments.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PMV-FY24-Investor-Presentation.pdf
  43. https://www.premierinvestments.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PMV-ASX-Release-241029.pdf
  44. https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/myer-buys-billionaire-solomon-lew-s-clothing-brands-in-950m-deal-20241029-p5km69.html
  45. https://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/solomon-lew-s-new-business-model-faces-profit-slip
  46. https://www.listcorp.com/asx/pmv/premier-investments-limited/news/pmv-fy25-results-announcement-3248478.html
  47. https://powerretail.com.au/premier-reports-strong-profit-growth-in-fy25/
  48. https://www.afr.com/chanticleer/solomon-lew-s-stunning-smiggle-claims-can-t-hide-a-growth-puzzle-20250925-p5mxvq
  49. https://insideretail.com.au/business/premier-investments-profits-fall-driven-by-smiggle-sales-drop-202509
  50. https://www.channelnews.com.au/solomon-lew-boosts-myer-stake-with-35m-shares/
  51. https://www.afr.com/street-talk/blue-ocean-cross-2pc-of-myer-holdings-eyes-on-solly-lew-20251013-p5n26i
  52. https://www.channelnews.com.au/myer-hit-by-211m-loss-as-apparel-brands-deal-weighs-on-profits/
  53. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/dataroom/speculation-around-solomon-lews-next-move-as-myer-woes-grow/news-story/3148ba9255f8f27ca92dcf88b3074a71
  54. https://company-announcements.afr.com/asx/myr/7e48cc80-a988-11f0-8ef7-3af0d6324790.pdf
  55. https://ethical.org.au/companies/4969
  56. https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/meet-the-other-lew-who-s-quietly-built-a-1b-retail-empire-20250428-p5lus2
  57. https://www.news.com.au/finance/billionaires-solomon-and-rose-lew-fight-to-save-family-fortune/news-story/47801afc27c39d92d33f649cb2c9695d
  58. http://www.familylawexpress.com.au/family-law-news/divorce-2/big-money-divorce/secrecy-and-another-big-money-australian-divorce-for-the-lews/2445/
  59. https://www.afr.com/property/residential/lew-family-s-22m-mansion-latest-on-toorak-trophy-pile-20251030-p5n6lr
  60. https://www.australianjewishnews.com/sols-honour/
  61. https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/5677/
  62. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-05-04/eugene-von-guerard-exhibition-at-ngv/2703094
  63. https://www.leader.co.za/article.aspx?s=41&f=1&a=5336
  64. https://www.scopusfoundation.org.au/about-us/
  65. https://www.scopusfoundation.org.au/about-us/members/
  66. https://www.jewishmuseum.com.au/support-jma/our-supporters/
  67. https://english.tau.ac.il/2022_honorary_doctorate_recipients
  68. https://ceoworld.biz/2019/01/18/meet-the-richest-50-people-in-australia-by-net-worth-for-2019/
  69. https://www.forbes.com/lists/australia-billionaires/
  70. https://thenightly.com.au/business/challenging-start-to-fiscal-2025-for-solomon-lews-premier-investments-amid-myer-tie-up-c-17070505
  71. https://www.afr.com/street-talk/premier-investments-acquires-another-3pc-of-myer-20251007-p5n0l6
  72. https://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/solomon-lew-buys-51m-more-shares-in-myer
  73. https://announcements.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20250925/pdf/06pn4f0wn1qdf1.pdf
  74. https://www.afr.com/rich-list/from-dr-zhivago-coats-to-a-3-5bn-empire-how-solomon-lew-did-it-20230821-p5dy6p
  75. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathanburgos/2025/01/23/billionaire-solomon-lews-premier-merging-apparel-brands-with-australian-retailer-myer/
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