Logo
SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
J
Global Rank
#939

Image: Burgon, John William, 1813-1888 | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

John Gandel

CEO, Shopping malls
AUSTRALIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.468B
Estimated based on Shopping malls stock value as of March 6, 2026
-0.52% (24h)
Age
91
Source
Shopping malls
Industry
Real Estate
Citizenship
AUSTRALIA

Biography

John Gandel is an Australian businessman and property developer, renowned for his significant contributions to the retail and real estate sectors. Born in 1935 to Polish-Jewish immigrants, Gandel inherited and expanded the Sussan women's clothing chain before focusing on shopping malls, which became the primary source of his vast wealth. His visionary approach led to the development of Chadstone Shopping Centre, the largest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere, cementing his legacy in the industry. With a net worth of $4.5 billion as of 2024, Gandel is a prominent figure in Australia's wealth landscape. Beyond his business achievements, Gandel is also recognized for his extensive philanthropy, particularly through the Gandel Philanthropy, which supports various causes in the Jewish and Australian communities.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

John Gandel was born in 1935 in Australia to Polish-Jewish immigrants, Sam and Fay Gandel. His parents operated a corsetry store in Melbourne, providing him with an early understanding of business.

Rise to Success

Gandel took control of his parents' women's clothing business, Sussan, in the 1950s. Working with his brother-in-law, Marc Besen, he grew Sussan into a chain of over 200 stores. In 1983, Gandel bought the Chadstone Shopping Centre and sold Sussan in 1985 to focus on real estate development. His strategic acquisition and expansion of Chadstone transformed it into Australia's largest and most prestigious shopping mall, driving his wealth significantly.

Key Business Strategies

Gandel's success stems from his keen eye for real estate and strategic investments. His ability to recognize the potential of shopping malls and develop them into premier retail destinations was a key factor. He also invested in listed property companies, demonstrating a diversified approach to wealth management.

Philanthropy

John and his wife, Pauline Gandel, established the Gandel Philanthropy in 1978. The foundation has contributed millions to various causes. These include arts and culture, education, medical and health services, and disaster relief efforts. Gandel's philanthropic efforts have made a lasting impact on the Jewish and Australian communities.

Career Milestones

1950s

Took control of Sussan

Took control of his parents' women's clothing business and expanded it.

1983

Purchased Chadstone Shopping Centre

Bought Chadstone Shopping Centre and transformed it into Australia's largest shopping mall.

1985

Sold Sussan

Sold Sussan to focus on real estate.

1990

Officer of the Order of Australia

Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to business, commerce and to the community.

2017

Companion of the Order of Australia

Appointed a Companion of the Order for service to the community as a benefactor and supporter of a range of visual arts and cultural institutions, to youth education, medical and biotechnology innovation programs, to business, and to the advancement of philanthropic giving.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Arts and Culture

National Gallery of Australia

$7.5M

Donated $7.5 million to the National Gallery of Australia in 2010.

Disaster Relief

Bushfire Relief

$1M

Donated $1 million to fight devastating bushfires in Victoria in 2010.

Arts and Culture

Museums Victoria

$1M

Donated $1 million to Museums Victoria in 2010.

Education

Gandel Institute for Adult Jewish Learning

Unknown

Inaugurated the Gandel Institute for Adult Jewish Learning at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Medical and Health Services

Gandel Rehabilitation Center

$132.6M

Donated large sums for the construction of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center in Jerusalem in 2022, a facility for treating Israeli soldiers.

Education

Taglit-Birthright Israel Program

Significant funding

Provided significant funding to the Taglit-Birthright Israel program, providing free trips to Israel for young Jewish adults.

Controversies & Challenges

2026

Support for Israel

Gandel's vocal support for Zionism and his remarks regarding Israel's actions in Gaza have drawn criticism from activists.

Compare John Gandel

Net Worth Face-off
John Gandel vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
John Gandel vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
John Gandel vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →