Early Life

Lindsay Edward Fox AC, born around 1937 in Prahran, a suburb of Melbourne, had humble beginnings. He was educated at Melbourne High School but left during Year 10 at the age of 16 due to a lack of academic interest. This early departure from school propelled him into the workforce, where he began his career as a truck driver. This experience laid the foundation for his future success in the logistics industry.

Football Career

In addition to his business pursuits, Lindsay Fox enjoyed a brief career in Australian rules football. He played for the St Kilda Football Club, where he captained the thirds side. After a stint at Golden Point Football Club in the Ballarat Football League, he made his Victorian Football League debut for St Kilda in 1960. Over the course of his football career, he played 20 games as a ruckman, scoring three goals. After retiring from playing, he returned to St Kilda in an administrative capacity and served as president of the club in 1979.

Founding Linfox

In 1956, Lindsay Fox founded Linfox with just one truck, which marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Over the years, he expanded Linfox into one of the largest logistics companies in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, operating in 12 countries with a fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles and almost 2 million square meters of warehousing. The company has become synonymous with reliable transport and logistics services, handling distribution operations for numerous leading companies.

Business Interests

Beyond Linfox, Fox has ventured into various other business endeavors. In 2005, he acquired Melbourne’s Luna Park, further diversifying his interests. However, he has faced challenges, including disputes with local governments regarding property development. Notably, he sought to claim a public beach area for personal use, which sparked controversy and highlighted his complex relationship with local regulations.

Awards and Recognition

Lindsay Fox’s contributions to the transport industry and community service have earned him numerous accolades. In 1992, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), recognizing his service to the transport industry. He received the Centenary Medal in 2001 and was honored as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2008 for his continued commitment to the logistics sector and community philanthropy.

In 2022, the National Gallery of Victoria announced that its new gallery would be named “The Fox: NGV Contemporary,” in recognition of a substantial $100 million donation from the Fox family.

Personal Life

In 1959, Lindsay Fox married Paula Grace Peele, and they have six children together: Lisa, Peter, Katrina, Andrew, Michael (who passed away), and David. Fox has maintained a strong focus on family throughout his life, and he has also been active in various philanthropic efforts, particularly in mental health advocacy following the tragic loss of his son.

Fox is a passionate car enthusiast, owning a collection of over 50 cars, which is displayed at the Fox Classic Car Museum in Docklands.

Net Worth

As of 2019, the Australian Financial Review estimated Lindsay Fox’s net worth at A$3.72 billion, and he has been a regular feature on the Financial Review Rich List since its inception in 1984. Forbes also listed him among Australia’s 50 richest people, with a net worth of US$3.50 billion.

Legacy

Lindsay Fox’s journey from a truck driver to a prominent businessman exemplifies resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. His contributions to the logistics industry and community have left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in Australian business.