Solomon Lew Net Worth

Solomon Lew has an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion, according to Forbes Real-Time Billionaires, Solomon Lew profile (figures as of October 20, 2026). That is up from $1.4 billion in 2019.

Solomon Lew is an Australian businessman best known for building his fortune in retail. He started young, working in shops after school and during holidays before opening his first apparel business on his 18th birthday. As a teenager, he supplied dresses to the Myer Emporium in Melbourne through Voyager Solo. Over time, his work expanded into importing apparel, toys and other goods from China, along with investments in retail companies.

His public profile grew through major retail deals and board roles. In 2008, he returned to the board of Premier Investments and became chairman. Premier owns brands including Smiggle and Peter Alexander, and it is also the largest shareholder in Myer and Breville. In 2025, Myer agreed to buy Premier's apparel brands in exchange for new shares issued to Premier. Forbes values his net worth at $2.1 billion on its real-time billionaires tracker as of October 20, 2026.

How Solomon Lew makes money

Lew's wealth comes mainly from retail. He chairs Melbourne-based Premier Investments, an apparel retailer with well-known brands such as Smiggle and Peter Alexander. Smiggle expanded outside Australia, becoming profitable in its first year in the United Kingdom after launching in 2015. The brand then moved into Hong Kong and Malaysia in 2016, and opened its first global flagship on Oxford Street in 2018.

His money also comes from large shareholdings in listed retailers and consumer brands. Premier is the largest shareholder in Australian department store Myer and home appliance maker Breville. Wikipedia notes Premier held a 31 per cent stake in Myer and a 25.5 per cent stake in Breville. In 2025, Myer bought Premier's apparel brands and issued new shares to Premier, a deal that will create one of the largest retail and apparel companies across Australia and New Zealand.

Big career moves behind the fortune

Lew built his name through dealmaking as much as store brands. In 1981, his family office Parfit Investments made a takeover bid for John Martin's. In 1983, he and related entities had built close to a 10 percent stake in Myer Emporium. He later became involved with Coles Myer, then returned to the public company stage in 2008 when he rejoined Premier Investments as chairman.

Recognition followed his long run in retail. In 2016, he became the first Australian inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame, alongside Jo Malone and Tommy Hilfiger. More recently, his Myer ties deepened through the Premier apparel deal. Forbes says his net worth is $2.1 billion on its real-time tracker as of October 20, 2026. Following the acquisition, he will join the board of Myer in April 2026.