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 Everything NZ.
Naomi is well known for her role as one of the original “Sharks” on four seasons of Shark Tank Australia, where she supported and invested in dozens of startups. Through her work on the show, Naomi became a champion of Australia’s entrepreneurial community and small business owners, 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 contribution, which continues through her philanthropic efforts today. She has sat on numerous not for profit boards over the last two decades.
Naomi is a prolific business blogger and founder of NaomiSimson.com, one of Australia’s most popular business websites.
With more than 2.6 million followers on LinkedIn, she is the most followed business influencers in Australia. 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.
The Long winding road of the Entrepreurial Journey
Australian Payments Plus | Independent Non-Exec Director | Sydney, Feb 2022 - Present
Colonial First State | Independent Director | Sydney, Jul 2023 - Present
Weebit Nano Ltd (ASX:WBT) | Independent Director | Sydney, Aug 2023 - Present
University of Melb | Advisor, Business & Eco Board | Melbourne, Feb 2017 – Dec 2025
Cerebral Palsy Alliance | Governor, Research Foundation | Sydney, Jul 2013 - Present
Global Market Places | Non-Executive Director | Jul 2021 - Jan 2023 (appointed by Tanarra Capital to support IPO)
Craveable Brands | Non-Executive Director | Feb 2017 - Aug 2017 (joined during Archer Capital IPO process)
Apropela (formerly Heads Over Heels) | Advisory Board Member | Jan 2012 - Mar 2017 (remains ambassador)
Voiceless | Council Member & Judge | Aug 2009 - Mar 2017
RedBalloon | Sydney, 2001 - 2017
Founder & Director (2001 - 2017) | CEO (2001 - 2011)
Bright Marketing | Sydney, 1995 - 2001
Managing Director
Ansett Australia | Melbourne, 1989 - 1992
KPMG Peat Marwick | Marketing Officer | Melbourne, 1988 - 1989
Compudan - EAC | Marketing Executive | Copenhagen, 1986 - 1987
IBM - World Trade Corp | Marketing Executive | New York, 1984 - 1986
Regular panellist on ABC's The Drum
Secret Millionaire
Judge for numerous business awards including EY Entrepreneur of the Year
Australia's most followed person on LinkedIn with 2.6+ million followers
Author of two best-selling books: "Live What You Love" and "Ready to Soar"
Prolific business commentator through blogging, podcasting, Handpicked by Naomi Simson and media appearances
2013, Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year Award
2013, Lifetime Achievement Silver Stevie Award
2011, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
2008, National Telstra Business Women's Award for Innovation
2005, Westpac NSW Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Hewitt Best Employer for four consecutive years (90%+ employee engagement vs. 54% Australian average)
Harvard University | Disruptive Innovation Seminar (2010)
MIT | Entrepreneurial Program - Birthing of Giants (2006-2007)
University of Melbourne | Bachelor of Commerce (1982-1984)
- Majors: Economics, Commercial Law, Accounting
- Sub-Majors: Marketing, Business Administration
Young Presidents Organization – Sydney Gold
Melbourne Cricket Club
CEW – Chief Executive Women
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/naomi.simson
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/naomisimson
Medium: http://medium.com/@naomisimson
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@naomi.simson
Have Naomi Simson at your next event.
Entrepreneur
Sharktank Australia