John Gandel

Recognizing his contribution towards Australian community, commerce and business sector, Gandel was chosen as the Officer of Order in Australia in 1990. His philanthropy is focused on medical causes, arts, education and Judaism. He made a donation of A$7.5 million to National Gallery of Australia in the year 2010.

His own house was burnt down by fire, remembering which Gandel financed A$1 million for fighting Victoria’s devastating bushfires. In 2006, Tel Aviv University awarded him the doctorate of philosophy, which is the university’s biggest honor as of now.

Under Chadstone, Gandel owns over 500 retail stores in the eastern part of Melbourne. He also has plans to make an office tower and a hotel, after which the company will expand by as much as 20%. He gives credit of his success to the leisurely shopping activities of people and deregulated shopping hours.

Gandel owned a 56-meter luxury yacht, which was sold in 2013 for $29 million. His mansion, Toorak, is situated in a posh suburb of Melbourne, which is one of the most valuable properties in the city. He, along with his wife, are passionate about collecting Japanese art. Gandel also donates significantly to arts, Jewish education, and healthcare.

Education

John Gandel, born in 1935 to Polish-Jewish immigrants Sam and Fay Gandel, was educated at Melbourne High School. His parents operated a corsetry store on Collins Street in Melbourne, providing him with early exposure to the retail industry. This background influenced his later ventures into property development and philanthropy.

Philanthropy

John Gandel AC, an Australian businessman and property developer, is renowned for his extensive philanthropic contributions alongside his wife, Pauline Gandel AC. In 1978, they established Gandel Philanthropy, one of Australia's largest independent family philanthropic funds, which has donated over $150 million to various causes.

Their philanthropy encompasses a wide range of sectors:

• Arts and Culture: In 2010, the Gandels donated A$7.5 million to the National Gallery of Australia, significantly enhancing its collection and facilities.

• Education: They inaugurated the Gandel Institute for Adult Jewish Learning at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2006, promoting Jewish literacy and education.

• Medical and Health Services: The Gandels have been long-standing supporters of Cabrini Hospital, contributing to advancements in healthcare services.

• Disaster Relief: Following devastating bushfires in Victoria, they donated A$1 million to aid recovery efforts, recalling how their own home was destroyed by fire twenty years earlier.

Their commitment to philanthropy has been recognized through various honors. John Gandel was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1990 and elevated to Companion of the Order in 2017 for his eminent service to the community. Pauline Gandel received the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2019 for her humanitarian and philanthropic endeavors.

Through Gandel Philanthropy, the couple continues to support initiatives that foster inclusivity and cohesion within society, impacting numerous charitable organizations and causes across Australia and Israel.

Personal Life

Gandel’s parents ran the Sussan women’s clothing business, which he took control over in the 1950s. John then partnered with Marc Besen, his brother in law, with whom he grew the chain and expanded it to more than 200 stores. In 1983, he sold Sussan to Besen, bought Chadstone Shopping Center for A$ 37 million, and started concentrating on his real estate business. Subsequently, Gandel added several shopping centers to his business empire. Chadstone is now one of the biggest shopping malls in Australia, valuing to more than $3 billion.

John Gandel with Marc Besen