Jack Gance is a pioneering Australian entrepreneur best known as the Chairman and Co-founder of the Chemist Warehouse Group, one of the largest pharmacy retail chains in Australia. With a career spanning over five decades, Gance has revolutionized the pharmacy and retail sectors, creating a multibillion-dollar business empire that extends across Australia, New Zealand, China, and Ireland.

Early Career and First Business Ventures

Jack Gance’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1972 when he opened his first pharmacy. Recognizing the potential for growth in the retail pharmaceutical market, he quickly expanded his business. In the late 1970s, he partnered with his brother, Sam Gance, to establish a distribution company that introduced iconic brands such as Le Specs sunglasses, Le Tan sunscreen, Australis cosmetics, and Colours of Australia fragrances. These brands became household names, dominating their respective markets in Australia.

By the early 1990s, Jack Gance’s distribution business had grown to become the largest pharmacy distributor in Australia. In 1991, the brothers sold the business, marking a pivotal moment in Jack’s career.

Academic Pursuits and Strategic Shift

Following the sale of his distribution company, Gance pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Monash University and the New York University Stern School of Business. His studies provided him with the strategic insights and business acumen to reshape the Australian pharmacy landscape.

In 1993, Jack Gance returned to the pharmacy sector, founding the My Chemist Pharmacy chain, which grew to operate 35 stores within a few years. By 2000, the chain had expanded to 50 stores, but Gance was not content with traditional retail models.

Founding of Chemist Warehouse

In 1995, Jack Gance, alongside business partner Mario Verrocchi, launched Chemist Warehouse, a disruptive retail pharmacy chain that transformed the industry. The brand introduced a discount model that challenged conventional pharmacy pricing and attracted a massive customer base. Chemist Warehouse’s strategy of offering low-cost pharmaceuticals and front-of-store products made healthcare more accessible to the public, particularly in an era when rising healthcare costs were a significant concern.

Under Gance’s leadership, Chemist Warehouse experienced exponential growth. By 2025, the company operated over 600 outlets across Australia, New Zealand, China, and Ireland, with annual revenue exceeding A$3 billion. The business model positioned Chemist Warehouse as a leader in both prescription and non-prescription retail, capturing more than 50% of the front-of-store market share and around 20% of all prescriptions filled in Australia.

Major Business Milestones

• Le Specs and Le Tan: In 1976, Gance and his brother Sam created the iconic brands Le Specs (sunglasses) and Le Tan (sunscreen), which became Australian staples.
• Distribution Business Sale: Sold their distribution business in 1991 to focus on new ventures.
• My Chemist Pharmacy Chain: Founded in 1993, the chain grew rapidly to 50 stores by 2000.
• Chemist Warehouse: Co-founded in 1995, the company became a dominant player in the retail pharmacy sector, with a presence in multiple countries.
• Sigma Healthcare Merger: In 2024, Chemist Warehouse announced a merger with ASX-listed Sigma Healthcare, opting for a backdoor listing instead of a traditional IPO.

Recognition and Awards

Jack Gance’s contributions to the retail and pharmaceutical industries have been widely recognized. In 2023, he was named the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Australia, a prestigious award celebrating his innovation and impact on the healthcare sector.

Family and Legacy

The Gance family’s involvement in the business continues to this day. Jack’s son, Damien Gance, plays a significant role in the operation of Chemist Warehouse. Additionally, his daughter, Dr. Elena Gance, is a television doctor known for her medical expertise.

Jack Gance and his wife reside in Toorak, one of Melbourne’s most affluent suburbs. His brother Sam, now the CEO of Chemist Warehouse, is married to reality television star Janet Roach. The family’s success and wealth have made them prominent figures in Australia’s business and social circles.

Philosophy and Impact

Jack Gance’s business philosophy centers around accessibility, affordability, and innovation. He believes that healthcare should be accessible to all, and this ethos has driven Chemist Warehouse’s discount model and customer-focused approach.

By disrupting traditional pharmacy practices, Gance has not only created a thriving business but has also made a lasting impact on the retail and healthcare industries. His leadership has helped millions of customers access affordable healthcare products and prescriptions, and his business model has inspired similar retail strategies globally.

Future Plans

Chemist Warehouse continues to grow under Gance’s strategic vision. With the merger with Sigma Healthcare expected to be completed in 2024, the company is poised for further expansion. The merger will provide new opportunities for growth, particularly in international markets.

Gance remains focused on ensuring that the business remains family-owned and continues to deliver affordable healthcare solutions to customers worldwide. The company’s digital innovation, including its click-and-collect and delivery services, positions Chemist Warehouse as a leader in the future of retail pharmacy.

Personal Life

Jack Gance’s personal interests include philanthropy and supporting community healthcare initiatives. He and his family are committed to giving back to the community through various charitable endeavors.

Jack Gance’s story is one of vision, perseverance, and innovation. From his early days in pharmacy to building a multibillion-dollar business, his legacy is one of transformation and disruption in the healthcare and retail sectors.