Frank Lowy was born on October 22, 1930, in Fiľakovo, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia). He is an Australian business magnate and the co-founder of Westfield Corporation, which is one of the world’s largest shopping centre companies. Being a Holocaust survivor and then going on to become a billionaire entrepreneur, his life story is nothing short of awestruck.
Table of Contents
Biography
Table of Glimpse: Frank Lowy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frank Lowy |
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1930 |
| Place of Birth | Fiľakovo, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) |
| Citizenship | Australian |
| Education | No formal higher education; built a career through business acumen |
| Occupation | Businessman, Co-Founder of Westfield Corporation |
| Net Worth | Approximately $6.46 billion (as of December 2024) |
| Family | Spouse: Shirley Lowy (Deceased in 2020) – Children: David, Peter, and Steven Great-grandchildren: 4 Children: David, Peter, and Steven |
| Spouse: Shirley Lowy (Deceased in 2020) Children: David, Peter, and Steven Great-grandchildren: 4 Children: David, Peter, and Steven | Properties in Australia, the United States, and Israel; spends significant time in Tel Aviv |
| Key Legacy | Co-founder of Westfield Corporation, a global leader in shopping mall development |
| Philanthropy | Founder of the Lowy Institute for International Policy; contributions to cultural and medical institutions |
| Lifestyle | Known for his luxury yacht “Ilona” and high-profile lifestyle |
| Historical Background | Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Australia in 1952 |
| Major Achievement | Westfield sold to Unibail-Rodamco in 2018 for $25 billion |
| Recognition | Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to business and philanthropy |
He was born to a Jewish family in what is now known as Slovakia. Frank’s father Hugo died when he was just 15 years old. His mother, Ilona, sent him to Budapest to escape World War II.
During World War II, Lowy and his family were persecuted as Jews. He survived the Holocaust and, following a period in a French detention camp, arrived in Australia in 1952. After founding a Sydney delicatessen, he became a builder of shopping centers.
In 1959, he teamed up with fellow Australian John Saunders to create Westfield Development Corporation. Focusing on suburban shopping centers, it soon became one of the world’s leading retail real estate developers. In 2018, Westfield Corporation was sold to Paris-based Unibail Rodamco for $25 billion.
Net Worth
As of December 2024, Frank Lowy’s net worth is estimated at around $6.46 billion dollars, as in 2015 we recorded his net worth at $7 billion dollars.
Family Life
Frank Lowy was married to Shirley Lowy. The couple had three sons named David, Peter and Steven. All of their three sons have worked in family business ventures, with David being known for his association with aviation and philanthropy and Peter as well as Steven having served at executive posts in Westfield Group. Frank Lowy has a total of 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Lowy has had homes and/or held citizenship of Australia, Israel and the United States. Lowy has also maintained a home in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he spends a significant portion of his time. Finally, Lowy owns a luxury yacht called “Ilona,” which completes the picture for this high-net-worth individual.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Apart from his business, Frank Lowy is known for being very active in charity. He established the Lowy Institute for International Policy in Sydney, which has become one of the most reputable think tanks on international policy globally. The Lowy family is also a patron to many cultural, education and medical establishments as part of their charitable trust fund.
FAQs
How many children and grandchildren does Frank Lowy have?
·Frank Lowy has three sons, David, Peter and Steven. He also has 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
What philanthropic initiatives is Frank Lowy known for?
Lowy is a philanthropist and founded the Lowy Institute for International Policy with AUD 30 million in funding in 2003, as well as funding via the Lowy Foundation several cultural, educational and medical institutions.
