The Remarkable Life of Frank Lowy: From Survival to Success

Frank Lowy’s story is one of resilience, determination, and triumph. Born in 1930 in Fil’akovo, Slovakia, Lowy endured a harrowing childhood as a Holocaust survivor and later emerged as one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the retail world. His journey from a young boy fleeing the horrors of World War II to building a global shopping empire is a testament to the human spirit and the pursuit of excellence.

Lowy’s early years were marked by unimaginable hardships. When the Nazis invaded Slovakia, his family’s lives were upended. Lowy’s father, Hugo, was tragically lost during the war, and the remaining family members were forced to flee. Seeking refuge, they relocated to Budapest, Hungary. Young Frank, barely a teenager, worked tirelessly to support his family. Despite the uncertainty and danger, these formative years instilled in him a strong work ethic and an unwavering resolve.

After the war, Lowy and his family migrated to Israel. There, he joined the Haganah, a Jewish paramilitary organization, and later fought in Israel’s War of Independence in 1948. His experiences during these years further shaped his character, teaching him the importance of resilience and adaptability.

In 1952, Lowy decided to move to Australia in search of new opportunities. He arrived with little more than hope and determination. Settling in Sydney, he began working as a delicatessen delivery driver, gradually learning the nuances of the business world. It was during this time that he met his lifelong business partner, John Saunders. Together, they would lay the foundation for a retail revolution.

In 1959, Lowy and Saunders opened their first shopping center in the Sydney suburb of Blacktown. The venture marked the birth of Westfield Development Corporation, which would later evolve into Westfield Group. Their vision was revolutionary: they sought to create centralized shopping hubs that offered convenience and variety under one roof. The concept resonated with post-war consumers, and the shopping center quickly became a success.

Over the next few decades, Lowy expanded the Westfield brand across Australia and eventually onto the global stage. By the 1970s, Westfield had entered the U.S. market, where it became synonymous with premium retail experiences. Under Lowy’s leadership, the company grew into one of the world’s largest shopping mall businesses, with properties in major cities including London, New York, and Los Angeles.

Frank Lowy’s business acumen was unparalleled. He had an innate ability to anticipate market trends and adapt to changing consumer behaviors. His focus on innovation, design, and customer experience set Westfield apart from competitors. Additionally, he maintained a reputation for integrity and fairness, earning the respect of colleagues, partners, and employees alike.

Despite his professional success, Lowy remained deeply committed to his family and community. Alongside his wife Shirley, whom he married in 1954, he raised three sons: David, Peter, and Steven. The Lowy family has always been closely knit, and Frank ensured that his values of hard work and philanthropy were passed down to the next generation. Today, his sons play integral roles in managing the family’s investment firm, the Lowy Family Group, which has offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Sydney.

Philanthropy has been a cornerstone of Lowy’s legacy. In 2003, he established the Lowy Institute for International Policy, an independent think tank dedicated to global research and policy development. The institute has become one of Australia’s leading voices on international affairs. Additionally, Lowy and his family have supported numerous charitable causes, particularly those focused on education, healthcare, and Jewish heritage.

Lowy’s contributions to Australian society and the global retail industry have been widely recognized. He was knighted in 2017, becoming Sir Frank Lowy, for his services to business and philanthropy. He also received the Companion of the Order of Australia, the country’s highest civilian honor, acknowledging his profound impact on Australian life.

In June 2018, an era came to an end when Frank Lowy sold Westfield Corp. to Unibail-Rodamco, a Franco-Dutch real estate group, for $16 billion. The deal was Australia’s largest corporate takeover at the time and marked the conclusion of Lowy’s illustrious career in the retail sector. Reflecting on the sale, Lowy expressed gratitude and satisfaction for what he had achieved. The transaction allowed him to focus on his family and philanthropic endeavors while ensuring the Westfield legacy would endure.

The sale of Westfield was not just a business decision; it was a symbolic moment in Lowy’s life. It represented the culmination of decades of hard work, vision, and determination. For Lowy, it was an opportunity to look back on his journey with pride and to embrace new chapters in his life with the same vigor that defined his earlier years.

Today, the Lowy Family Group stands as the family’s primary business enterprise. Under Frank’s guidance and the leadership of his sons, the group has diversified its investments across various sectors, including real estate, private equity, and technology. This shift reflects Lowy’s forward-thinking approach and his ability to adapt to an ever-changing economic landscape.

Frank Lowy’s life is a remarkable story of survival, resilience, and success. From the ashes of war to the pinnacle of global business, his journey is an inspiration to countless individuals. He embodies the values of hard work, innovation, and generosity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to influence generations to come. As he enjoys his later years surrounded by family and the fruits of his labor, Lowy remains a shining example of what can be achieved through determination and a steadfast belief in one’s visio,