Authors: Paul Simons and Lyndall Eeg
ISBN: 9780646711317
Publisher: Delphian Books
First published: 2024, Second Edition: 2025
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Seaman, Retailer, Woolgrower
Born in Wales, Paul spent his early childhood years amidst the rigours of the Great Depression. As a thirteen year old, educated in Dover, Paul’s experiences of WWII were visceral. A career in the British Merchant Navy took him to all corners of the globe.
Settling in Australia, he took a job at the bottom of the rung of Woolworths, rising through the ranks to become perhaps its most successful CEO. When retirement should have beckoned, a third career as a Superfine Merino woolgrower has occupied Paul to the present day.
A great Australian, a proud Welshman, Paul’s story is a remarkable one.
Foreword
Lindsay Fox AC
This is a remarkable story about a remarkable man.
From humble circumstances in Wales, Paul Simons went to sea as a young man. While seemingly an inauspicious start for anyone, his journeys around the world, especially during the years of World War II were hazardous and challenging. He really experienced life – the great teacher. Aided by his sextant and slide rule as he made the intricate calculations required of a good seaman, his intellect was sharpened. His life at sea is a fascinating story in itself.
Love found him in Australia and to a job at the bottom of the store chain at Woolworths. His rise to the top is told as is the story of his high standards and honesty which caused him to leave giving up a senior position. His return to Woolworths at the top as Executive Chairman is a story in itself and he turned a struggling company around into the great success it became.
I met Paul at the peak of his fame when he was tendering for the transport contract. We not only got on well but his trust in me saw him insist I live in his home with his family as I settled into the task. I stayed for three months. He was a true friend and remains so. We both valued trust and a handshake was all that was necessary to seal a deal.
Paul rightly became Businessman of the Year in 1989 and was named Retailer of the Decade in 1994. His style was to treat everyone in his company the same; we were on the same wavelength. I also admired his outgoing activities not only actively helping charities but serving the nation in such things as being selected by the Federal Government’s commission of inquiry into Australia’s AusAID program, of which he was appointed Chair.
Formal retirement meant nothing to Paul. He not only took on two large sheep properties but they produce top quality Merino wool and do so under model environmental conditions. Above all, I treasure the friendship of this fine man. Friendship and family are two of the great joys of life. I am pleased the story is told of this outstanding man.
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Related story: Review – Ships, Shops and Sheep – The Remarkable Life of Paul Simons