Janet Holmes à Court

Who is Janet Holmes à Court?

Janet Holmes à Court, AC, HFAIB is an Australian businesswoman, and one of Australia's wealthiest women. She is the Chairman of one of Australia's largest private companies, Heytesbury Pty Ltd, having turned around its fortunes after the death of her husband Robert Holmes à Court in 1990. She retained full ownership of the Heytesbury Group of companies until 2008 when her son, Paul Holmes à Court, assumed ownership, while she remained Chairman.

She attended the University of Western Australia, majoring in organic chemistry. After graduation, she worked as a science teacher before marrying Holmes à Court in 1966 and having four children with him.

She currently lives in Perth. As her children left home, she developed interests in medical research, the arts and various charitable organizations.

After the death of her husband, she took over management of Heytesbury Pty Ltd, which was considerably in debt, rescuing and expanding it. The company operates cattle stations in remote Western Australia and has interests in vineyards, wine-making and engineering contracting.