$2.7 billion (US) in net worth
Age: 81
DOB: 13th July 1942
Birthplace: Windsor, Canada
About Jack Cowin
Jack Cowin is an influential Australian businessman renowned for his entrepreneurial prowess and significant contributions to the fast-food industry. Canadian-born Cowin migrated to Australia in the 1960s and quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the business world.
His most notable achievement is his founding of Competitive Foods Australia, which operates under the global brand name Hungry Jack’s. This venture brought the iconic Burger King franchise to Australia and New Zealand, playing a pivotal role in shaping the fast-food landscape Down Under.
In addition to his success in the fast-food industry, Jack Cowin has been involved in various other business ventures, including the media and investments. His visionary leadership and commitment to innovation have earned him a reputation as one of Australia’s most impressive and respected businessmen.
How Did Jack Cowin Accrue His Wealth?
Jack Cowin has made his money through his successful ventures in the fast-food industry and various other business endeavours. His most significant source of wealth came from founding Competitive Foods Australia, which operates the Burger King franchise in Australia under the name ‘Hungry Jack’s’. In 1971, Cowin and his business partner, Robert Lapointe, secured the exclusive rights to operate Burger King restaurants in Australia. While they couldn’t use the name due to it being trademarked by an American immigrant who worked as a chef in Adelaide, this move was instrumental in introducing the Burger King brand to the Australian market and establishing a thriving fast-food chain.
Under Cowin’s leadership, Competitive Foods Australia expanded its presence, opening numerous Hungry Jack’s outlets across Australia and New Zealand. This expansion generated substantial revenue and profits for Cowin’s business.
While this happened, Jack Cowin diversified his investments and business interests beyond the fast-food industry into the media and other sectors, which further contributed to his overall wealth.
His entrepreneurial acumen, strategic decision-making and ability to spot and capitalise on opportunities were crucial to his financial success. Subsequently, his visionary leadership and commitment to innovation have enabled him to build a formidable business empire.
Other roles and business interests
Cowin also owns a meat processing business called Consolidated Foods, which exports products worldwide.
In Canada, he has invested in the Lone Star Texas Grill chain of restaurants and is a major shareholder in an American transportation company called RCX which operates 1000 vehicles out of Kansas – providing a crew hauling service for major railway operators.
Elsewhere, he has variously been a non-executive director of Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Chandler Macleod, Fairfax Media and the TEN Television Network. Additionally, he remains the largest shareholder and Chairman of Domino’s Pizza Enterprises and owns a 40% share in BridgeClimb Sydney – a company which operates tours and ascents of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Personal Life
Cowin graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 2000, he was awarded a Doctor of Law from his alma mater. Fifteen years later, he assumed the role of the 22nd Chancellor there, which he held for four years until May 2019.
Affectionately referred to as ‘the father of fast food’, Cowin resides in Sydney with Sharon, his wife. Together they have four adult children. He is an active member of the World Presidents Organisation.