16 Facts About Baillieu Myer

Sidney Baillieu Myer, known as Bails Myer, was an Australian businessman and philanthropist.

Baillieu Myer joined his family's company, the Myer Emporium, in 1949 and became its chairman in 1983.

Baillieu Myer was born on 11 January 1926 in San Francisco, California.

Baillieu Myer was one of four children of Sidney Myer, who founded the Australian department store chain Myer in 1900, and Merlyn Myer.

Baillieu Myer had an older brother, Ken, and two sisters, Neilma and Marigold.

Baillieu Myer served as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II aboard HMAS Pirie.

Baillieu Myer then trained in retail at Macy's in New York and Harrods in London.

Baillieu Myer joined his family's business, the Baillieu Myer Emporium, in 1949, and was named executive director in 1955.

Baillieu Myer attempted to open three Lindsay's Target supermarkets in South Australia, but they were unable to compete with the Coles and Woolworths supermarkets.

Baillieu Myer stepped down from his position as executive director in 1972 but remained on Baillieu Myer's board.

Baillieu Myer was named executive chairman of the company in 1983 during a major recession and led its takeover of the department store chain Grace Bros that year.

Baillieu Myer was named a Companion of the Order of Australia as part of the 1990 Australia Day Honours "for service to business and commerce, to government and to the community".

Outside of his family's business, Baillieu Myer was a director and chairman of the financial services company National Mutual from 1978 to 1992.

Baillieu Myer was actively involved in philanthropic, scientific, arts and agricultural activities.

Baillieu Myer died at his home in Merricks, Victoria, on 22 January 2022, eleven days after his 96th birthday.

Baillieu Myer was survived by his wife of 66 years, Sarah Myer, and their three children, Sid, Rupert and Samantha.