Early Life and Education
Naomi Milgrom AC (née Besen), born in 1952 in Melbourne, Australia, is a distinguished billionaire businesswoman, philanthropist, and cultural leader. Growing up in a family of art collectors and retail magnates—her parents Marc and Eva Besen—Naomi was inspired by a legacy of creativity and entrepreneurship. Her maternal grandmother, Fay Gandel, opened a small lingerie store in 1939, reflecting the family’s deep roots in the retail industry.
Milgrom attended Mount Scopus Memorial College and Firbank Girls’ Grammar School, before studying languages at Monash University and earning a Diploma of Education from the University of New South Wales.
Career
Naomi’s career began in education, where she worked as a special education teacher in Sydney, focusing on autistic and schizophrenic children. Transitioning into publishing and advertising, she co-founded Melbourne House (Publishers) Ltd with her first husband, Alfred Milgrom, in 1977. The company published influential works on computers and co-founded BEAM Software, a video game studio, in 1980.
In 1988, Milgrom joined the family business, Sussan, as marketing and strategic planning manager. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming merchandise director the following year and CEO in 1990. Under her leadership, Sussan expanded significantly, acquiring Suzanne Grae in 1991 and Sportsgirl in 1999. In 2003, she bought out her parents and siblings, gaining full ownership of these iconic Australian brands.
Philanthropy and Cultural Leadership
Naomi Milgrom is not only a successful business leader but also a passionate philanthropist. In 2014, she established the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, aimed at enhancing the presence of art, architecture, and design in Australia. The foundation supports artists, fosters collaborations, and promotes art and design education, working to make the arts accessible to a broader audience.
Milgrom is known for her innovative projects that engage communities and generate social, economic, and environmental value. She has collaborated with leading architects and urban thinkers through initiatives like the MPavilion program and the Living Cities Forum. Her partnerships with renowned architects such as Rem Koolhaas, Amanda Levete, and Ryue Nishizawa have significantly contributed to Australia’s architectural landscape.
Recognition and Awards
Milgrom’s contributions to civil society have been widely recognized. She holds three honorary doctorates and received the Australian Institute of Architects President’s Award. In 2010, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her significant contributions. Other accolades include the Creative Partnerships Australia Philanthropy Leadership Award, and she served as the commissioner of the Australian Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale in 2017.
Personal Life
Naomi Milgrom has three children from her first marriage to Alfred Milgrom and resides in Middle Park, Melbourne. She also owns properties in Bondi Beach and Byron Bay. With an estimated net worth of A$1.15 billion as of May 2023, Milgrom is recognized as one of Australia’s wealthiest women.
Through her remarkable career and philanthropic efforts, Naomi Milgrom continues to influence the cultural landscape of Australia, advocating for the transformative power of art and design.
