Early Life
Naomi Azrieli was born into the influential Azrieli family, inheriting a legacy of business acumen and a strong sense of philanthropy from her father, David J. Azrieli. From a young age, she witnessed the entrepreneurial ventures of her father, an architect, builder, developer, and philanthropist. Her formative years were marked by a combination of rigorous academics and exposure to the workings of business and philanthropy.
Rise to Success
Naomi Azrieli took the helm of the Azrieli Group, following in her father's footsteps. Under her leadership, the group has diversified its portfolio, strengthening its presence in the real estate world both in Canada and internationally. She, along with her sisters, Danna and Sharon Azrieli, collectively hold a significant share of the publicly listed company. In addition to her role in real estate, she also serves as the chair of the family's Azrieli Foundation, a leading philanthropic institution.
Key Business Strategies
As Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Group, Naomi has overseen the company's expansion and maintained its position as a force in the Canadian and global real estate industry. Her strategic vision extends beyond the business realm, as she has been instrumental in the growth and strategic direction of the Azrieli Foundation, focusing on impactful initiatives in education, science, and community welfare.
Philanthropy
Naomi Azrieli is the Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation, the largest public foundation in Canada. The foundation has disbursed over $600 million since becoming more active in 2004, with a focus on education, research, healthcare, and the arts, both in Canada and Israel. Key initiatives include the Azrieli Fellows Program, the Azrieli Science Grants, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, and the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program.