Early Life
Naomi Azrieli was born into the influential Azrieli family, where her foundation in business and philanthropy was established from a young age. She witnessed the entrepreneurial ventures of her father, David J. Azrieli, an architect, builder, developer, and philanthropist. From him, she adopted values of hard work, vision, and giving back to the community. Her formative years included rigorous academics and exposure to the practical aspects of business and philanthropy.
Rise to Success
Naomi Azrieli has taken the reins of the Azrieli Group and ensured its continued success. Under her leadership, the group has diversified its portfolio and expanded into new markets and sectors. As Chair and CEO, she has strengthened the company's presence in the real estate world, making it a key player in both Canada and internationally.
Key Business Strategies
Naomi Azrieli's business acumen is evident in her strategic leadership of the Azrieli Group. The company focuses on commercial real estate, including shopping malls, office buildings, and senior homes. The Azrieli Group is also expanding into data centers. Under her guidance, the Azrieli Group has become a dominant force in the Canadian and global real estate industry, boasting a series of successful projects and ventures. She has also spearheaded the operation of Azrieli.com, a leading e-commerce platform.
Philanthropy
Naomi Azrieli is also Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation, a major philanthropic organization in Canada. Through the foundation, she channels millions into educational, research-based, and community initiatives. The Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of current and future generations through Education, Research, Healthcare, and the Arts. The Foundation has eight priority funding areas, including Education, Fellowships & Scholarships, Community, Holocaust Education & Legacy, Science & Healthcare, Neurodevelopment & Neurodiverse Initiatives, Architecture, Design & Engineering, and Music, Arts & Culture. In 2024, the Foundation disbursed over $150 million to various organizations.