Hilary Weston: A Life of Retail, Philanthropy, and Family Legacy
Hilary Weston, born Hilary Frayne in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland in 1942, and a prominent figure in the world of retail and philanthropy, has died. She was the wife of Galen Weston, and played a crucial role in building the family’s vast business empire, which included iconic brands like primark (originally Penneys), Brown Thomas, and Selfridges.
Initially a successful model in the 1950s, she met Galen Weston after he spotted her on a billboard and arranged an introduction. They married in 1966 and later moved to Toronto in 1971, where she became a Canadian citizen.
Ms. Weston was instrumental in the early growth of Penneys, the Irish retailer that would become Primark and expand internationally. She later oversaw the running of Brown thomas for a significant period after her husband’s acquisition of the store. Her business acumen extended to roles as vice-chair of Holt Renfrew in Canada and positions within Associated British Foods (ABF), Fortnum & Mason, and Loblaws. She also managed a substantial property development in Florida.
The family faced a harrowing experience in 1983 when the IRA attempted to kidnap Mr. Weston at thier Roundwood Park estate in Wicklow. Though the family was not present, the resulting gunfight with Garda Síochána led to the deaths of two kidnappers and subsequent arrests.
Beyond retail, Ms. Weston dedicated herself to philanthropic endeavors. She established the Ireland Fund of Canada in 1979 and served as lieutenant governor of Ontario from 1997 to 2002, donating her salary to youth employment initiatives. she also supported numerous charitable foundations, contributing hundreds of millions of euro to various causes.A published author, she penned two successful books on homes and gardens.
Ms.Weston is survived by her two children,Alannah and Galen jnr,both actively involved in the family business. She was predeceased by her husband, Galen Weston, who passed away in 2021. The Weston family’s fortune is estimated at £17.75 billion, a testament to their enduring business success, with Penneys/Primark representing a especially significant contribution to the group’s overall success, now employing over 80,000 people and generating nearly €11 billion in sales annually.