How did Frank Lowy get so rich? [Net Worth 2023]

Frank Lowy, an Australian billionaire, made his fortune mostly via his success in the property development and retail businesses. The following are some of the major factors that contributed to his wealth:

1. Westfield Corporation Co-Founder: Frank Lowy co-founded Westfield Corporation in 1959 with his business partner John Saunders. In Sydney, Australia, Westfield began as a tiny shopping complex development company. Lowy and his colleagues grew the company abroad over the years, creating and managing retail complexes in nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. With a wide network of shopping malls and commercial properties, Westfield became one of the world’s largest and most successful retail property organizations.
2. Strategic Acquisitions: Frank Lowy was well-known for his strategic foresight and willingness to make risky acquisitions. Westfield has bought a number of high-profile shopping centers across the world, including Westfield London and the Westfield World Trade Center in New York City. These acquisitions increased the company’s worth and revenue dramatically.
3. Diversification: Westfield expanded its business beyond property construction to include property management, retail leasing, and other real estate-related services under Lowy’s leadership. This diversification assisted the organization in generating reliable revenue sources and increasing profitability.
4. Westfield frequently focused on creating and operating high-end shopping complexes in strategic locations, attracting premium businesses and shoppers. This method enabled the corporation to charge greater rents while yet maintaining excellent tenant connections.
5. Going Public: Westfield went public on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1960, providing extra funding for growth. Later, the company went public on additional major exchanges such as the London major Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
6. Westfield Corporation sale: In late 2017, Frank Lowy and his family sold Westfield Corporation to Unibail-Rodamco, a prominent European commercial property corporation, in a multibillion-dollar deal. This sale increased his fortune even further.

Famous quotes of Frank Lowy

Here are a few of his notable quotes:

1. “I always had ambition, but I never thought it would be to be the biggest shopping center owner in the world.”
2. “I have always maintained that success is never final. You have to work every day at keeping it.”
3. “I have never thought of what I do as work. It’s my passion. It’s what I like to do.”
4. “You cannot run a business with a depressed or a fearful attitude. You need to be positive.”
5. “You have to have a vision, but you also have to have a willingness to fail.”

Lesser-Known facts about Frank Lowy

Frank Lowy is a well-known business and real estate personality, but here are some lesser-known facts about him that you may find interesting:

1. Holocaust survivor:Frank Lowy, a Holocaust survivor, was born in Czechoslovakia in 1930. He and his family nearly avoided the Holocaust during WWII by escaping their hometown and living in hiding. The family survived the war and moved to Australia in 1952, where Lowy began his business career.
2. Soccer Fan: Frank Lowy is a soccer (football) enthusiast who has played an important role in the development of the sport in Australia. He was the chairman of the Football Federation Australia (FFA) and was instrumental in obtaining Australia’s bid to host the Summer Olympics in Sydney in 2000, which included hosting the football event.
3. Philanthropy: Lowy and his family are interested in a variety of charitable endeavors. They have contributed significantly to causes such as medical research, education, and the arts. The development of the Lowy Cancer Research Centre in Sydney, which focuses on cancer research and treatment, was one major contribution.
4. Business Mentorship: Lowy has mentored and helped young entrepreneurs and growing firms throughout his career. He has advised and funded multiple firms and is well-known for his willingness to share his knowledge and experience.
5. Israeli Connection:Frank Lowy has close ties to Israel and has participated in several charity and business initiatives there. He is well-known for his support for Jewish causes and his dedication to developing Australia-Israel relations.
6. Honors and Awards: Throughout his career, Frank Lowy has won various honors and awards, including being named an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions to business and the community. He has also been acknowledged for his services to the business sector by a number of organizations and industry groups.
7. Passion for Art: Frank Lowy is an art collector who owns a large collection of artworks by well-known artists. His passion for art extends to his philanthropic endeavors, as he has contributed to a number of cultural and artistic institutions.

What companies does Frank Lowy own?

Frank Lowy had sold Westfield Corporation, a global real estate company that specialized in shopping complexes and commercial assets. Unibail-Rodamco, a prominent European commercial property business, acquired Westfield Corporation in 2018. Following this transaction, the Westfield brand was renamed Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW).

Frank Lowy’s fortune stemmed mostly from his ownership and leadership of Westfield Corporation, but after the company’s sale, he has switched his focus to other pursuits such as philanthropy and personal interests. As a result, he may not own any big companies in the same capacity as he did with Westfield.

What is net worth of Frank Lowy?

Frank Lowy net worth is around $7.55 billion.

What philanthropic initiatives is Frank Lowy involved in?

Here are some prominent philanthropic efforts and causes with which they have been associated:

1. Lowy Cancer Research Institute: Frank Lowy and his family were instrumental in establishing the Lowy Cancer Research Centre in Sydney, Australia. This research facility focuses on cancer research and therapy, contributing to oncology developments.
2. Education: The Lowy family has contributed to Australian educational institutions and initiatives. They have given to universities and educational programs, highlighting the value of a good education.
3. Culture and the Arts: Frank Lowy’s love of art has prompted him to contribute to a number of cultural and artistic organisations. He has been active in projects that promote and preserve arts and culture in Australia and around the world.
4. Jewish Concerns: The Lowy family is deeply committed to their Jewish ancestry and has contributed to a variety of Jewish causes, including cultural organizations, community development, and Holocaust commemoration projects.
5. Sports: Frank Lowy has been active in sports promotion in Australia, particularly soccer (football). His leadership and financial backing were important in the advancement of the sport in the country.
6. Community Growth: The Lowy family has contributed to a variety of community development projects and initiatives, including those aimed at enhancing inhabitants’ quality of life in diverse places.
7. Medical Investigation: Aside from cancer research, the Lowy family has showed an interest in general medical research. Their charitable gifts aided medical institutes and research endeavors.

What are some real stories of Frank Lowy leadership?

Frank Lowy’s corporate leadership, particularly through his participation in the development of Westfield Corporation, is marked by various real-life incidents and crucial moments that highlight his leadership style and business acumen. Here are some noteworthy examples:

1. Westfield’s Global Expansion: Westfield grew from a small Australian retail center developer to a global real estate behemoth under Frank Lowy’s leadership. This global expansion included various acquisitions and developments. The acquisition of a majority position in the World Trade Center complex in New York City was a watershed moment, showcasing his ambition and readiness to invest in high-profile and famous enterprises.
2. Pay Special Attention to Quality and Innovation: Lowy was well-known for his dedication to quality in all areas of Westfield’s business. He underlined the importance of investing in new design, technology, and amenities to create world-class shopping experiences. Westfield shopping centers became noted for its sophisticated architecture and cutting-edge features, which set new industry standards.
3. Response to Changing Retail Trends: Frank Lowy and Westfield displayed adaptation as the retail landscape altered with the introduction of e-commerce. They redesigned retail malls as destinations for entertainment, food, and social activities, rather than just places to shop. Lowy’s leadership was critical in revising the company’s strategy in response to shifting consumer expectations.
4. Being Resilient in the Face of Adversity: The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 in the United States had a direct impact on Westfield’s properties, particularly the World Trade Center. Frank Lowy and his colleagues were determined to rebuild despite severe hurdles and the devastation of the shopping mall. They were instrumental in the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the World Trade Center site.
5. Long-Term Goals: Frank Lowy was noted for his long-term vision and patience when it came to developing the Westfield brand. He frequently underlined that success was never final and that ongoing effort and strategic planning were required for the business to continue and expand. This perseverance and foresight contributed to Westfield’s long-term success.
6. Mention and Collaboration: Lowy’s influence extended beyond his own organization. He was well-known for mentoring young entrepreneurs and growing enterprises, as well as providing industry guidance and support to others. His eagerness to collaborate and share his knowledge aided in the advancement of innovation in the real estate and retail industries.

What are some controversies is Frank Lowy involved in?

Here are a number such issues that have gotten a lot of attention in the past:

1. Corporate Governance Concerns: Westfield, led by Frank Lowy, was scrutinized for its corporate governance standards. Some investors and experts had reservations about the company’s structure, which comprised a number of related-party transactions and complicated ownership arrangements. Some critics contended that these arrangements could enrich insiders at the expense of minority shareholders. However, Westfield defended its corporate governance methods as being in accordance with Australian regulations.
2. Concerns About Security and Safety: Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, certain concerns were voiced about Westfield’s security measures and preparation, particularly considering the company’s ownership of the World Trade Center complex. However, it is critical to realize that Westfield and its leadership were actively involved in the restoration and redevelopment of the World Trade Center site following the attacks.

What can you learn from Frank Lowy?

Frank Lowy’s life and work provide a wealth of excellent lessons and insights that may be applied to numerous facets of leadership, business, and personal development. Following are some major takeaways from his experiences:

1. Vision and Ambition: Lowy’s journey from Holocaust survivor to worldwide real estate billionaire exemplifies the importance of having a clear vision and lofty goals. His resolve to transform Westfield into a worldwide powerhouse demonstrates that with vision, hard work, and perseverance, huge problems can be overcome.
2. Adaptability: The ability of Lowy to react to changing market conditions and consumer preferences is an important lesson for company executives. He understood the changing retail scene and adapted his methods to focus on innovation and consumer experience.
3. Pay Attention to Quality: Frank Lowy’s leadership is distinguished by a dedication to providing high-quality products or services. He recognized that developing great retail locations required brilliance in design, technology, and facilities.
4. Long-Term Outlook: Lowy’s emphasis on long-term planning and patience in establishing his firm serves as a reminder that long-term success frequently necessitates a forward-thinking mindset. Short-term disappointments should not discourage people from pursuing long-term aspirations.
5. Perseverance and Resilience: Westfield’s problems following the 9/11 attacks, as well as previous setbacks, illustrate the need of perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. Lowy’s resolve to rebuild and contribute to the restoration of the World Trade Center site demonstrates his fortitude.
6. Philanthropy and Volunteering: Frank Lowy’s involvement in charitable activities emphasizes the significance of giving back to the community and supporting causes that correspond with one’s values and views. His donations to cancer research, education, and the arts indicate a desire to make a good difference that extends beyond commercial success.
7. Mentorship and Collaboration: Lowy’s readiness to coach others and engage with young entrepreneurs exemplifies the importance of information sharing and promoting innovation in one’s business.
8. Leading by Example: Frank Lowy led by example throughout his career, exhibiting integrity, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. Such characteristics are necessary for gaining the trust and respect of employees and colleagues.