Marc was certainly instrumental in paving the way for Australian designers to consider design as a commercially viable career. Born in Sydney, Newson spent much of his childhood travelling in Europe and Asia. He started experimenting with furniture design as a student and, after graduation, was awarded a grant from the Australian Crafts Council with which he staged his first exhibition - featuring the Lockheed Lounge - a piece that has now, twenty years later, set three consecutive world records at auction. In addition to his core business, he has also founded and run a number of successful companies, including a fine watch brand and an aerospace design consultancy.

He has also held senior management positions at client companies; including currently being the Creative Director of Qantas Airways. Marc Newson was included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, and has received numerous awards and distinctions; he was appointed The Royal Designer for Industry in the UK, awarded an honorary doctorate from Sydney University, and holds Adjunct Professorships at Sydney College of the Arts and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.