Solomon Lew took over his father's small retailer at 18 and built Premier Investments into an Australian retail empire behind Smiggle, Peter Alexander and Just Jeans.
The Builders | Olam.business
Solomon Lew, born March 22, 1945, in Melbourne to Polish Jewish immigrants, took over his father's small retail business at age 18 in 1964 and built it into Premier Investments, the chairman role he still holds today. Premier owns Just Jeans, Smiggle, Peter Alexander and other Australian fashion chains, and the Australian Financial Review Rich List has placed his net worth above 4 billion Australian dollars.
Who Is Solomon Lew?
Solomon Lew is an Australian businessman and chairman of Premier Investments, one of the country's largest fashion retail groups, which he built from a small family business he inherited at 18.
At a Glance
| Born | March 22, 1945, Toorak, Melbourne, to Polish Jewish immigrants Esther and Pinkus Lew |
| Early business | Took control of his father's small retail import business in 1964 at age 18, founding Voyager Solo the same year |
| Coles Myer | Built a 10 percent stake in Myer Emporium and became chairman of the merged Coles Myer group before being removed from the board following a shareholder campaign |
| Premier Investments | Chairman since founding the group in 1987. Owns Just Jeans, Smiggle, Peter Alexander, Portmans, Jay Jays and other Australian retail chains through the Just Group |
| Net worth | Approximately 4 billion Australian dollars, Financial Review Rich List May 2025 |
| Recognition | Inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame; honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University for philanthropic contributions |
How Did Solomon Lew Build Premier Investments?
Lew took control of his father's small Melbourne retail business at 18 in 1964, launching Voyager Solo the same year and building expertise in importing textiles, toys and general merchandise from Asia. Over more than four decades he expanded into apparel manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing, acquiring stakes in department store chains and leading takeover bids that reshaped Australian retail, including a period as chairman of Coles Myer, now Coles Group.
Lew founded Premier Investments in 1987 as his primary vehicle, building it around the Just Group's fashion chains including Just Jeans, Jay Jays and Portmans. Premier later acquired Smiggle, a stationery brand Lew helped launch internationally, and Peter Alexander sleepwear, both of which became major growth drivers for the group across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Asia.
What Does Premier Investments Own Today?
Premier Investments holds significant stakes across Australian retail, including Breville Group appliances and real estate assets, alongside its core fashion and stationery brands. Lew has largely stepped back from daily operational management while remaining chairman and continuing to steer the company's broader strategic direction, including its recent moves to consolidate several apparel brands under shared retail operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Solomon Lew?
Solomon Lew is an Australian businessman who chairs Premier Investments, the retail group behind Just Jeans, Smiggle and Peter Alexander, which he took over from his father at age 18.
What is Premier Investments?
Premier Investments is an Australian retail holding company Solomon Lew founded in 1987 that owns fashion and stationery brands including Just Jeans, Smiggle, Peter Alexander, Portmans and Jay Jays.
What is Solomon Lew's net worth?
The Australian Financial Review Rich List estimated Solomon Lew's net worth at approximately 4 billion Australian dollars in its May 2025 ranking.
Did Solomon Lew chair Coles Myer?
Yes. Lew built a significant stake in Myer Emporium and served as chairman of the merged Coles Myer group before being removed from the board following a shareholder campaign.
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מי הוא סולומון לו?
סולומון לו, יליד 1945 במלבורן לעולים יהודים פולנים, נטל בעסק הקמעונות של אביו בגיל 18 והפך אותו ל-Premier Investments, חברת קמעונות המחזיקה ברשתות Just Jeans, Smiggle ו-Peter Alexander. הונו מוערך בכ-4 מיליארד דולר אוסטרלי.
The Olam Editorial Team | The Builders / הבונים
