Marcus Besen: Sussan co-founder and philanthropist dies at 99

Marcus Besen, a Romanian-born Australian businessman, philanthropist, and Holocaust survivor, passed away on November 8, 2023. He was 99.

The co-founder of the iconic fashion retailer Sussan, Besen’s journey was one of resilience, success, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Besen’s life took a remarkable turn as he survived the Holocaust, ultimately finding a new beginning in Australia. His entrepreneurial spirit led him into the world of business, initially as a hosiery supplier.

The pivotal moment came in the 1950s when he joined forces with John Gandel to manage Sussan clothing stores, originally established by John’s parents in 1939.

Under Besen’s leadership as managing director from 1951 to 1980, Sussan evolved into one of Australia’s largest fashion retailers.

Not content with the status quo, the duo diversified the business, introducing fashion chains Suzanne Grae and Sportsgirl.

By the 1960s, Sussan had grown exponentially, boasting numerous outlets across the country. The Besen-Gandel partnership wasn’t confined to fashion; they extended their influence to shopping centers, acquiring stakes in prominent locations such as Highpoint, Chatswood Chase, Whitehorse Plaza, and Moonee Ponds Market Place.

In a strategic move in 2006, the Besen family sold a 50% stake in Highpoint Shopping Centres for an impressive $621 million to the GPT Group.

Their involvement with Highpoint continued until 2017, when the family divested their remaining 25% stake for $680 million, solidifying their legacy in the retail and property sectors.

Besen’s impact wasn’t confined to boardrooms and retail outlets. In 2015, his contributions to society were officially recognized when he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia.

Besen’s commitment to the arts and culture was evident in his ownership and operation of TarraWarra, a sprawling 300-hectare winery and cattle stud located in the Victorian Yarra Valley.

This estate not only produced exceptional wines but also became the home of the TarraWarra Museum of Art.