Carol Schwartz is a renowned Australian business leader, philanthropist, and advocate for women’s leadership, celebrated for her transformative impact in business, property, the arts, and community organizations. As of 2025, the Carol Schwartz biography highlights her as a dynamic force in Australia’s corporate and social sectors. With decades of board experience, numerous national honors, and a legacy of social change, Schwartz continues to shape the landscape of leadership and philanthropy in Australia. Her recent recognition as Australia’s Leading Philanthropist and ongoing roles with the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Trawalla Foundation underscore her enduring influence and commitment to progress.
Quick Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carol Judith Schwartz AO (née Besen) |
| Date of Birth | 1955 |
| Age | 69-70 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5’7″ / 170 cm (reported estimate) |
| Weight | 143 lbs / 65 kg (reported estimate) |
| Spouse | Alan Schwartz |
| Children | Four |
| Net Worth | USD 255,000+ (public holdings, 2025) |
| Profession | Business Executive, Philanthropist |
| Nationality | Australian |
Early Life and Family Background
Carol Judith Schwartz was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, in 1955, into the prominent Besen family. Her parents, Marc and Eva Besen, are well-known as founders of the Sussan retail fashion chain and respected philanthropists. Growing up in a Jewish household, Carol’s early education took place at a Steiner school in Elwood, followed by Mount Scopus Memorial College, where she developed a strong sense of community and social responsibility.
The values instilled by her family—hard work, humility, and giving back—were central to her upbringing. Despite her family’s business success, Carol recalls a modest childhood, emphasizing the importance of community reinvestment and support for newcomers, particularly Jewish refugees arriving in Australia.
Carol pursued higher education at Monash University, graduating with a combined arts/law degree. Later, she completed an MBA at Monash, equipping herself for a career that would blend business acumen with a passion for social change. Her early influences included her parents’ philanthropic work and exposure to strong female role models in business and community leadership.
Physical Appearance and Personal Details
- Height: 5’7″ (170 cm) (reported estimate)
- Weight: 143 lbs (65 kg) (reported estimate)
- Hair Color: Brown (with natural graying)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Body Type/Build: Medium build, professional appearance
- Distinctive Features: Known for her confident presence and signature eyeglasses
- Fitness Routine/Diet: Carol leads an active lifestyle, balancing professional responsibilities with regular exercise and a healthy diet, though she has not publicly detailed a specific routine.
Personal Life and Relationships
Carol Schwartz is married to Alan Schwartz, a respected businessman and her long-time partner in both life and philanthropy. The couple wed in the late 1970s and have four children together, reflecting a strong commitment to family values. Carol and Alan co-founded the Trawalla Foundation, a family philanthropic trust that invests in social enterprises, arts, innovation, and scholarship.
The Schwartz family resides in Melbourne, Australia, maintaining a balance between their professional pursuits and family life. Carol is known for her private nature regarding her children’s identities, but she often credits her family’s support as a key factor in her success.
Beyond her work, Carol enjoys reading, the arts, and travel. She is active on social media, particularly Twitter (@CAZZMELBOURNE), where she shares insights on leadership, gender equality, and philanthropy. Her public profiles reflect a commitment to transparency and community engagement.
Career Journey and Major Achievements
Career Start:
Carol Schwartz began her professional journey in the property division of her family’s business, developing shopping centers across Melbourne and Sydney. She quickly distinguished herself by championing community involvement in business projects, believing that commercial success must go hand-in-hand with social responsibility.
Breakthrough Moment:
In 1993, Schwartz became a board member of the Property Council of Victoria and was elected president the following year—the first woman to hold the position. She implemented changes to make the council more inclusive for women, such as relocating meetings from male-only venues.
Major Projects/Works:
- Led major shopping center developments, including Whitehorse Plaza and Highpoint Shopping Centre.
- Chaired the redevelopment of Moonee Ponds Market and Chatswood in Sydney.
- Founded and chaired the Trawalla Foundation and Women’s Leadership Institute Australia.
Awards and Recognition:
- Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), 2019
- Member of the Order of Australia (AM), 2006
- Centenary Medal, 2001
- Monash University Fellowship, 2010
- Victorian Women’s Honour Roll, 2011
- Australian Financial Review/Westpac 100 Women of Influence, 2012
- Leading Philanthropist, Australian Philanthropy Awards, 2020
Collaborations:
Carol has worked with leading organizations such as the Reserve Bank of Australia, Stockland, Qualitas Property Partners, Bank of Melbourne, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Current Projects and Upcoming Work:
As of 2025, Carol serves as the Director of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Chair of Our Community, and Founding Chair of the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia. She continues to spearhead initiatives for gender equality, social enterprise, and responsible business.
Net Worth and Income Sources 2025
- Estimated Net Worth: USD 255,000+ (public holdings as of April 2025)[
- Annual Income: Not publicly disclosed; estimated in the high six figures due to board memberships and investments
- Primary Income Sources:
- Board memberships (Reserve Bank of Australia, Stockland, Qualitas, etc.)
- Property development and investments (via Trawalla Group)
- Consulting and speaking engagements
- Property Ownership:
- Investments in real estate and property development
- Family trusts and philanthropic foundations
- Brand Endorsements:
- Not a focus; Schwartz is primarily known for leadership and philanthropy
- Business Ventures:
- Founder, Trawalla Foundation
- Founder, Scale Investors Pty Ltd.
- Charity Work:
- Major supporter of women’s leadership, arts, and social justice causes through the Trawalla Foundation and other philanthropic initiatives
Interesting Facts and Lesser-Known Details
- Carol was the first woman president of the Property Council of Victoria.
- She was named one of Australia’s most influential women in 2012.
- Carol established the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia to boost female representation in leadership roles.
- She is passionate about the arts and has served as President of the Melbourne International Arts Festival.
- Carol is a strong advocate for social enterprise and innovation.
- Her favorite leisure activities include reading, attending arts events, and traveling with family.
- She has a reputation for being one of the best-connected figures in Australian business.
- Carol is known for her candid speaking style and commitment to mentoring emerging leaders.
- No major public controversies; she is widely respected for her integrity and professionalism.
Timeline of Major Life Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1955 | Born in Melbourne, Australia |
| 1970s | Graduated from Monash University (Arts/Law) |
| Late 1970s | Married Alan Schwartz |
| 1989 | Joined the family business in property development |
| 1993 | Appointed to the Property Council of Victoria board |
| 1994 | Elected the first female president, Property Council of Victoria |
| 2001 | Awarded Centenary Medal |
| 2004 | Founded Trawalla Foundation |
| 2006 | Appointed Member of the Order of Australia |
| 2010 | Monash University Fellowship |
| 2011 | Inducted into Victorian Women’s Honour Roll |
| 2012 | Named among 100 Women of Influence |
| 2017 | Began 10-year term, Reserve Bank of Australia board |
| 2019 | Appointed Officer of the Order of Australia |
| 2020 | Named Australia’s Leading Philanthropist |
| 2025 | Continues leadership and philanthropic work |
Summary and Future Outlook
Carol Schwartz’s journey from a family business in Melbourne to the highest echelons of Australian business and philanthropy is a testament to her vision, resilience, and dedication. Her impact spans property development, board leadership, and transformative social initiatives, especially for women in leadership. As of 2025, the Carol Schwartz biography reflects a legacy of achievement and a future focused on social innovation, gender equality, and community empowerment. With ongoing projects in business, philanthropy, and public service, Carol Schwartz remains a guiding force for positive change in Australia and beyond.
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