NetWorth
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Lew
S
Rank #1922
AUSTRALIA•Fashion & Retail•Retail

Solomon Lew

Net Worth
$2.148B
+1.45% (24h)
Solomon Lew, an Australian retail magnate, is a self-made billionaire known for building a vast retail empire. As of March 2026, his net worth is estimated at $2.1 billion. His wealth stems from his success in the retail industry, particularly through Premier Investments, where he holds a significant stake. Lew's career includes over 50 years of experience in textiles, apparel, and general merchandise, as well as property development. He is known for his ability to recognize and capitalize on fashion trends, establishing and expanding brands like Just Jeans, Dotti, Peter Alexander, and Smiggle. Lew was also a director and chairman of Coles Myer, and was inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame in 2016.

How to read Solomon Lew's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Solomon Lew, we anchor the narrative to Retail and Retail, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $2.148B alongside global rank #1922, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (AUSTRALIA) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Solomon Lew was born on March 22, 1945, in Melbourne, Australia. His parents, Esther (née Windman) and Pinkus Lew (originally Lewkowicz), were Polish Jewish immigrants who arrived in Australia during the interwar period, escaping antisemitism and economic hardship. Lew's father was active in the Jewish community, and Lew was educated at Mount Scopus Memorial College. At the age of 18, Lew established his first business, Voyager Solo, in 1963, focusing on importing apparel and toys.

Rise to Success

Lew's career took off with strategic investments and leadership roles within the retail sector. He became chairman of Premier Investments, the parent company of popular brands like Peter Alexander and Smiggle. Lew's acumen in the retail industry led to significant achievements, including being inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame in 2016. He previously served as the chairman of Coles Myer from 1991 to 1995, influencing key corporate deals. In 2025, Myer acquired Premier's apparel brands in a share swap, consolidating Lew's portfolio.

Key Business Strategies

Lew is known for his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. His strategy includes a focus on retail, importing goods from China, and strategic investments in retail companies. He has a history of navigating market volatility and making timely investment decisions. He has a significant stake in Myer Holdings and Premier Investments' stake in Breville Group.

Philanthropy

Solomon Lew has engaged in philanthropy, mainly through donations and leadership roles supporting cultural institutions, arts, and Jewish community initiatives. He has supported educational institutions like Mount Scopus Memorial College and the establishment of the Solomon Lew Centre for Consumer Behaviour at Tel Aviv University.

Career Timeline

2016

Inducted into World Retail Hall of Fame

Became the first Australian to be inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame.

2008

Chairman of Premier Investments

Returned to the board of Premier Investments and became its chairman.

1991

Chairman of Coles Myer

Became chairman of Coles Myer Limited.

1985

Director of Coles Myer

Joined the board of Coles Myer Limited.

1963

Founded Voyager Solo

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

Philanthropic Impact

Jewish CommunityUndisclosed

United Israel Appeal

Active role and support of Jewish community initiatives.

EducationUndisclosed

Mount Scopus College

Former Chairman of the Mount Scopus Foundation.

EducationUndisclosed

Tel Aviv University

Established the Solomon Lew Centre for Consumer Behaviour.

Arts and Culture$0.45B

National Gallery of Victoria

Donated for an art acquisition.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Myer Holdings28.00%—
Premier Investments40.00%—
Breville Group25.40%—

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Solomon Lew was born on March 22, 1945, in Melbourne, Australia. His parents, Esther (née Windman) and Pinkus Lew (originally Lewkowicz), were Polish Jewish immigrants who arrived in Australia during the interwar period, escaping antisemitism and economic hardship. Lew's father was active in the Jewish community, and Lew was educated at Mount Scopus Memorial College. At the age of 18, Lew established his first business, Voyager Solo, in 1963, focusing on importing apparel and toys.

Rise to Success

Lew's career took off with strategic investments and leadership roles within the retail sector. He became chairman of Premier Investments, the parent company of popular brands like Peter Alexander and Smiggle. Lew's acumen in the retail industry led to significant achievements, including being inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame in 2016. He previously served as the chairman of Coles Myer from 1991 to 1995, influencing key corporate deals. In 2025, Myer acquired Premier's apparel brands in a share swap, consolidating Lew's portfolio.

Key Business Strategies

Lew is known for his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. His strategy includes a focus on retail, importing goods from China, and strategic investments in retail companies. He has a history of navigating market volatility and making timely investment decisions. He has a significant stake in Myer Holdings and Premier Investments' stake in Breville Group.

Philanthropy

Solomon Lew has engaged in philanthropy, mainly through donations and leadership roles supporting cultural institutions, arts, and Jewish community initiatives. He has supported educational institutions like Mount Scopus Memorial College and the establishment of the Solomon Lew Centre for Consumer Behaviour at Tel Aviv University.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Solomon Lew are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

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