Early Life
Frank Lowy was born in Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) on October 22, 1930. His early life was marked by the challenges of World War II. As a Jewish family, they were forced to hide in Hungary to escape Nazi persecution. The Lowy family later fled the Nazis. Lowy himself eventually migrated to Australia in 1952 after spending time in Israel and fighting in the Arab-Israeli war.
Rise to Success
In 1959, Lowy and John Saunders co-founded Westfield Development Corporation. They opened their first shopping center in a Sydney suburb, a novel concept at the time. Westfield expanded rapidly, becoming one of the world's largest shopping center companies, with significant holdings in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. In 2018, Westfield Corporation was acquired by Unibail-Rodamco.
Key Business Strategies
Lowy's key business strategies included identifying opportunities in suburban property development and creating destinations that offered more than just shopping. He focused on building community connections, incorporating cinemas, food courts, and social spaces to keep customers engaged. His keen eye for property development helped Westfield become a dominant force in the shopping center industry.
Philanthropy
Lowy is recognized for his extensive philanthropic work, donating to numerous causes, including the Lowy Institute (a foreign policy think tank), the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, the UNSW Lowy Cancer Research Centre, and Tel Aviv University. In 2002, he was awarded the title of Australia's leading philanthropist. Lowy has also supported Jewish causes and established foundations to support Jewish education and culture. He has donated over $350 million through the Lowy Foundation and the Lowy Institute.
