Billionaire Profile
Naomi Azrieli
Global Rank
#1842

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Naomi Azrieli

CEO, Azrieli Group
CA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.1B
As of December 2025
Age
60
Source
Real estate
Industry
real-estate
Citizenship
CA

Biography

Naomi Azrieli is a prominent Canadian businesswoman, philanthropist, and chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in Canada. With a net worth estimated at $2.1 billion, her primary source of wealth stems from her involvement in real estate, stemming from the legacy of the Azrieli Group. Her career includes key leadership roles, overseeing the Azrieli Group and the Azrieli Foundation, and her achievements have earned her recognition, including being named an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Naomi Azrieli was born into the influential Azrieli family, which shaped her journey into business and philanthropy. Her father, David J. Azrieli, an architect, builder, developer, and philanthropist, significantly influenced her values, instilling in her the importance of hard work, vision, and giving back to the community. Her early years combined academics with exposure to the workings of business and philanthropy.

Rise to Success

Naomi took the reins of the Azrieli Group, ensuring the company's continued growth. As Chair and CEO, she enhanced the company's presence in the real estate world, making it a force both in Canada and internationally. She also chairs the Azrieli Foundation, one of Canada's leading philanthropic institutions, which supports various causes.

Key Business Strategies

Under Naomi's leadership, the Azrieli Group diversified its portfolio, expanding into new markets and sectors. She focused on strengthening the company's presence in the real estate sector, positioning it prominently in Canada and abroad.

Philanthropy

As Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation, Naomi has overseen the allocation of millions of dollars to diverse causes. These include education, scientific research, arts, and community welfare. She has been a strong advocate for education, supporting numerous scholarships, fellowships, and educational programs in Canada and beyond. The Azrieli Foundation is the largest non-corporate philanthropic foundation in Canada.

Career Milestones

2002

Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation

Assumed leadership of the Azrieli Foundation and oversaw its growth into Canada's largest non-corporate foundation.

2010

Executive Director of the Azrieli Group

Took on the role of Executive Director, contributing to the strategic direction and expansion of the real estate firm.

2022

Officer of the Order of Canada

Recognized for her leadership in philanthropy and contributions to science, health, education, and community.

2025

Awarded Honorary Doctorate

Received an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Azrieli Fellows Program

$XB

Supports graduate students, postdoctoral students, and early-career faculty in Israel.

Education

Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program

$XB

Publishes memoirs of Holocaust survivors.

Healthcare

Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence

$XB

Supports caregiving for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“All philanthropy begins from the heart,”"

"“You have to give from the heart, and with engaged purpose – aiming for impact.”"

Leadership Principles

Giving from the heart

Emphasizes the importance of heartfelt giving and dedication to making an impact.

Strategic philanthropy

Focuses on creating sustainable change and involving collaboration to make a lasting impact.