Marcus Besen wife: Who is Eva Gandel?

Eva Gandel was the wife of late Marcus Besen who co-founded Sussan. She was also the sister of Besen’s business partner John Gandel.

Eva and Besen got married on June 15, 1950, and together they had four children – Naomi Milgrom, Carol Schwartz, Daniel Besen and Debbie Dadon.

Eva was also a philanthropist, who joined her husband in donating millions of dollars to various charities and causes. She passed away in 2021.

Who Was Marcus Besen?

Marcus Besen was an entrepreneur, and philanthropist, known for co-founding the fashion retailer Sussan.

Born in Romania, Besen’s story began with his roots as a Romanian-born Holocaust survivor.

His life took a new trajectory when he arrived in Australia, where he embraced the opportunities presented by the vibrant business environment. Initially working as a hosiery supplier, Besen’s true entrepreneurial spirit came to the fore in the 1950s.

In a transformative partnership with John Gandel, Besen took the reins of Sussan clothing stores in the 1950s. Originally established by John’s parents as a corsetry store in 1939, the business rapidly evolved under Besen’s leadership.

By the 1960s, Sussan had become one of Australia’s largest fashion retailers, with Besen serving as the managing director from 1951 to 1980.

Determined to diversify and expand, the duo introduced fashion chains Suzanne Grae and Sportsgirl. By 1990, the Sussan empire boasted 168 stores, with an additional 152 under the Suzanne Grae brand.

Besen’s influence extended beyond fashion retail. The Sussan group, under his guidance, acquired stakes in prominent shopping centers 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.

The family’s involvement with Highpoint continued until 2017, concluding with the sale of their remaining 25% stake for $680 million, marking a significant chapter in Australian real estate history.

Besen died on November 8, 2023, at the remarkable age of 99.