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Billionaire Profile
John Van Lieshout
Global Rank
#2075

Image: Alex P. Kok | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

John Van Lieshout

CEO, Real estate
Brisbane, Queensland
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.01B
Estimated based on Real estate stock value as of September 10, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
80
Source
Real estate
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
Australia

Biography

John Van Lieshout (born 1946) is an Australian billionaire, renowned for his success in real estate and the retail sector. He is the founder of the Super A-Mart furniture chain, which he sold in 2006 for A$500 million, transitioning into property development through his Unison Projects Group. His net worth is estimated at $1.9 billion, placing him among Australia's wealthiest individuals. Van Lieshout's career began in the furniture industry after immigrating to Australia from the Netherlands in 1960. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to significant achievements and recognition in the business world.

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Data Updated
Sep 10, 2026
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Wealth Over Time

Net Worth History

YearNet Worth
2026$2.01B
2025$2.00B
2024$1.90B
2023$1.30B
2022$2.70B
2021$2.49B
2020$2.03B

In-Depth Profile

John Van Lieshout's entrepreneurial journey began in the furniture retail sector, a foundation that ultimately propelled him into significant property development. After immigrating to Australia from the Netherlands in the nineteen-sixties, he completed his high school education, obtaining a diploma. His initial foray into business saw him establish Super A-Mart in the nineteen-seventies, a furniture retail chain that would eventually become Amart Furniture. Under his leadership, this venture expanded considerably, establishing itself as a prominent presence in the Australian retail landscape. The growth of Super A-Mart over several decades allowed Van Lieshout to build substantial wealth through his ownership of the thriving retail business.

The culmination of his success in the furniture industry came in the mid-two-thousands when John Van Lieshout sold Super A-Mart. This strategic divestment marked a significant turning point in his career, providing him with substantial capital. Following the sale, he transitioned his focus to property development, a move that leveraged his accumulated business acumen and financial resources. This pivot involved establishing Unison Projects Group, a company dedicated to acquiring and developing a diverse portfolio of real estate assets.

Through Unison Projects Group, John Van Lieshout systematically built a substantial property portfolio. This portfolio encompasses a variety of real estate types, demonstrating a diversified approach to property investment. His holdings include commercial properties such as shopping malls and office buildings, as well as residential developments. These acquisitions and developments have primarily been concentrated in the Brisbane area, where he has invested in various housing blocks and townhouse projects. The ongoing management and expansion of these real estate assets are the primary drivers of his current wealth.

John Van Lieshout's career trajectory illustrates a progression from successful retail entrepreneurship to large-scale property investment and development. His wealth is derived directly from his ownership and control of these real estate holdings, which generate income through rentals, leases, and the sale of developed properties. The value of this diversified property portfolio, built up over many years, represents the core of his substantial fortune. His journey reflects a strategic evolution, moving from a hands-on role in retail operations to orchestrating significant property ventures, thereby consistently generating and expanding his financial standing.

Career Milestones

1970

Founded Super A-Mart

Established the furniture retail chain, which later became Amart Furniture.

2006

Sold Super A-Mart

Sold Super A-Mart for A$500 million and entered into property development.

Ongoing

Property Development through Unison Projects

Acquired a substantial property portfolio including shopping malls, offices, and residential developments.

Controversies & Challenges

2020

Rent Relief During Pandemic

Declined to extend rent relief to some commercial tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a moral obligation for tenants to use their own capital first.

Billionaires Connected to John Van Lieshout

Peers in Diversified

All Diversified billionaires

Richest in Australia

All billionaires from Australia

Adjacent Global Ranks

Full global ranking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is John Van Lieshout's net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, John Van Lieshout's estimated net worth is $2.007 billion, ranking #2075 among the world's billionaires. The estimate is based on publicly available shareholding data and market prices, updated daily.
How did John Van Lieshout make their money?
John Van Lieshout's wealth primarily comes from Real estate, most notably through Real estate.
Where is John Van Lieshout from?
John Van Lieshout is from Australia.
How old is John Van Lieshout?
John Van Lieshout is 80 years old.

Sources & References

  1. John Van Lieshout — Forbes profile Forbes