Logo
SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Solomon Lew
Global Rank
#1946

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Solomon Lew

CEO, Premier Investments
AU
Real-Time Net Worth
$2B
As of December 2025
Age
80
Source
Retail
Industry
fashion-retail
Citizenship
AU

Biography

Solomon Lew is an 80-year-old Australian businessman, celebrated for his significant contributions to the retail sector. With a net worth of $2.0 billion, Lew's wealth stems primarily from his investments in retail companies. His career, which began at age 18, has been marked by strategic acquisitions and a keen understanding of market trends. Lew is the chairman of Premier Investments, a retail powerhouse that owns brands like Smiggle and Peter Alexander. He is the first Australian to be inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame, and his career has been marked by significant achievements and some controversies. Lew has a long history of involvement in the Australian retail landscape, including roles at Coles Myer.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Solomon Lew was born on March 22, 1945, in Brunswick, Melbourne, Australia, to Polish Jewish immigrants. He attended Mount Scopus Memorial College. His father established a textiles business, influencing Lew's early interest in retail.

Rise to Success

Lew's career began at age 18 when he started Voyager Solo. His strategic acumen led to significant investments and acquisitions throughout his career. He made his name by importing apparel and toys from China. He has been involved in the manufacture, importation, wholesaling, and retailing of textiles, apparel, and general merchandise.

Key Business Strategies

Lew is known for his ability to identify market trends and his well-timed investments. Through Premier Investments, he has expanded his brand portfolio, including Smiggle and Peter Alexander. He is also the largest shareholder in the Australian department store Myer.

Philanthropy

Solomon Lew is a supporter of various charities, including the Chabad House synagogue. He was instrumental in founding the Action for Israel division of the United Israel Appeal.

Career Milestones

1963

Began career

Began career in retail.

1963-Present

Chairman of Premier Investments

Currently the chairman of Premier Investments.

1986

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

2016

World Retail Hall of Fame

Inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Arts

National Gallery of Victoria

$0.45B

Donated to the National Gallery of Victoria.

Education

Solomon Lew Centre for Consumer Behaviour

Undisclosed

Established the Solomon Lew Centre for Consumer Behaviour at Tel Aviv University

Controversies & Challenges

1989

The Etiket Transaction

Involved in a controversial transaction using a trust called Etiket, which benefited his family.

1989

Yannon Transaction

Lew involved Coles Myer in a deal with a private company Yannon Pty Ltd which ultimately lost Coles $18 million.

2020

Wage Subsidies and Rent

Premier Investments received wage subsidies during the coronavirus crisis and operated his 1200 retail stores rent-free during the initial Covid outbreak.

2024

Allegations Against Executives

Made allegations against former executives, including the former Smiggle boss, for various misconducts.