Marcus Besen obituary

Sussan co-founder Marcus Besen passed away on November 8, 2023, at age 99.

His legacy lives on in the thriving businesses, cultural institutions, and philanthropic endeavors that bear his imprint.

Besen is survived by his four children – Naomi Milgrom, Carol Schwartz, Daniel Besen and Debbie Dadon.

Who Was Marcus Besen?

Marcus Besen was a Romanian-born Australian businessman, philanthropist, and Holocaust survivor.

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.