Billionaire Profile
Jack Cowin
Global Rank
#1579

Image: Unknown authorUnknown author | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Jack Cowin

CEO, Fast food
AUSTRALIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.684B
Estimated based on Fast food stock value as of April 20, 2026
+0.15% (24h)
Age
83
Source
Fast food
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
AUSTRALIA

Biography

Jack Cowin, a Canadian-Australian businessman, is a prominent figure in the fast-food industry. With a current net worth of $2.6 billion, Cowin's wealth source stems from his founding of Competitive Foods Australia, the parent company of Hungry Jack's, the Burger King franchise in Australia. His career began after he brought KFC to Australia in 1969. Cowin's achievements include establishing Hungry Jack's, controlling the Domino's Pizza franchise in Australia for a period, and investing in various ventures. He is also known for his philanthropy, including the Jack and Sharon Cowin Scholars Award. Jack Cowin's journey exemplifies entrepreneurial success, building a fast-food empire from the ground up.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Jack Cowin was born on July 13, 1942, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. His father, Stanley J. Cowin, worked for Ford Motor Company. Cowin's upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work and frugality.

Rise to Success

Cowin's entrepreneurial journey began in 1969 when he brought KFC to Australia. Later, he founded Hungry Jack's, the Australian franchise of Burger King, after he discovered that the Burger King name was already trademarked in Australia. Hungry Jack's became a major success, and he expanded his business interests to include investments in Domino's Pizza Enterprises. He also invested in other ventures, including the Lone Star Texas Grill restaurant chain and a plant-based meat substitute business called v2food.

Key Business Strategies

Cowin's success is attributed to his strategic approach to franchising and investment. He focused on building scalable franchise models that generated substantial employment. He is known for reinvesting in his businesses. He also built a strong reputation and made sure his business had a focus on customer service and employee satisfaction.

Philanthropy

Jack Cowin, along with his wife Sharon, are active philanthropists. They founded the Jack and Sharon Cowin Scholars Award, which supports academic exchanges for students between Bond University and Western University.

Career Milestones

1969

Brought KFC to Australia

Cowin obtained the rights to open KFC franchises in Western Australia.

1971

Founded Hungry Jack's

Cowin established Hungry Jack's as the Burger King franchise in Australia.

2000

Awarded Honorary Doctor of Law

Received an honorary degree from the University of Western Ontario.

2015-2019

Chancellor of the University of Western Ontario

Served as the 22nd Chancellor of the University of Western Ontario.

2023

Member of the Order of Australia

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to business and philanthropy.

2025

Interim CEO of Domino's Pizza Enterprises

Appointed as executive chair to lead Domino's.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Cowin Scholarship Program

$3M

Provides funds for student exchange programs between Bond University and Western University

Education

Western University Engineering Program

C$5M

Donated to Western University to support its engineering programs

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Life is like a football match. We've got quarters and unfortunately I've just entered the last one."

"Food has got to be hot, drinks have got to be cold and the service has got to be with a smile."

Leadership Principles

Focus on Fundamentals

Stick to the core principles: hot food, cold drinks, and good service.

Prioritize People

Take care of the people who have the most contact with the customer, as they have the greatest impact on the business.

Embrace Challenges

Cowin faced challenges such as the Burger King trademark issue and the legal battle with Burger King Corporation, he persevered, demonstrating his resilience.