Australian entrepreneur, founder of RedBalloon, Shark Tank Australia investor, and seasoned business influencer
Naomi Simson began her career in corporate marketing, gaining experience with leading global brands such as IBM, KPMG, Apple Computer Australia, and Ansett Australia. In 2001, she founded RedBalloon, a pioneering online experience gift retailer, launching the business from her home with a personal investment of $25,000. Over the next decade, she grew the company to a team of 46 and built one of Australia’s most recognised consumer brands. Naomi served as CEO until 2011, when she shifted focus from daily operations to strategic growth.
In 2017, Naomi co-founded Big Red Group with business partner David Anderson. Today, Big Red Group is the largest aggregator of experience-based businesses in Australia, with a portfolio that includes RedBalloon, Adrenaline, Experience Oz, Experience Oz Local Agent, and Lime&Tonic.
Naomi is well known for her role as one of the original “Sharks” on Network Ten’s Shark Tank Australia, where she supported and invested in dozens of startups across four seasons. Through her work on the show, Naomi became a champion of Australia’s entrepreneurial community, offering candid insights into pitching, scaling, and building purpose-driven businesses.
She also appeared on The Secret Millionaire – Australia, where she spent time volunteering in underprivileged communities before revealing her identity and donating to causes she connected with personally. The experience deepened her passion for giving back, which continues through her philanthropic efforts today.
Naomi is a prolific business blogger and founder of NaomiSimson.com, one of Australia’s most popular business websites.
With nearly 3 million followers on LinkedIn, she is among the most followed business influencers in the country. Her thought leadership has helped inspire and guide entrepreneurs and leaders globally.
She is the author of two books:
Live What You Love (2015)
Ready to Soar (2016)
Naomi has also contributed to various collaborative works and forewords, sharing her insights on entrepreneurship, branding, and innovation.
How We Got Here—and Where We’re Headed
Governor Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation
Advisory Board – University of Melbourne Business and Economics Faculty
Season 5 Handpicked Podcast
Weebit-Nano ASX:WBT Independent Director
Handpicked Podcast
Involved in the Environmental, Social, and Governance program for three years.
Involved in the Environmental, Social, and Governance program for three years.
Served as an investor and mentor for four seasons.
Silver Stevie Award – Individual
Awarded in the Industry Category.
Achieved for five consecutive years (BRW Magazine).
Deloitte Tech Fast 100
Recognized five times for rapid growth.
Recognized for Innovation and as NSW Business Owner of the Year.
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