Hickory strengthens executive suite with former Lord Mayor Sally Capp AO and four key leaders

Vertically integrated construction and property company Hickory has announced the appointment of five new executives, bolstering its C-suite and broader leadership team as it accelerates growth in digital infrastructure and living sectors and expands its NSW footprint.

With a $2.5 billion secured workbook and a 1,000+ strong workforce, Hickory is well positioned for ongoing growth. The business will continue to leverage its self-performance capabilities to deliver greater value and certainty for private and public sector clients.

The new appointments are: Chief Strategy Officer (Sally Capp AO), Chief Financial Officer (Michael Curtis), Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (Persia Gough), Chief People Officer (Pete Howell) and Construction Director (Ben Williams).

Hickory Group CEO Michael Argyrou said the appointments would support the company’s leadership in modern methods of construction and advanced manufacturing; growth within the rapidly developing data centres sector; and expansion in Sydney and wider NSW market.

“For more than 30 years, we’ve continued to invest in developing our people and systems to advance the property industry and this new executive team is no exception,” said Mr Argyrou.

“Each of them brings deep knowledge, a cross-section of experience and fresh perspectives that will continue to strengthen our momentum. Together, they add real force to the direction Hickory is moving in right now.”

In line with a new corporate direction, developed with the Hickory Advisory Board (chaired by Benni Aroni), the new leadership team will balance growth with a continued focus on maintaining Hickory’s people-first values.

“Hickory’s strength has always come from its people. As we grow, maintaining our values-led approach and backing our team remains a clear priority. It’s how we’ll continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for our partners and the broader industry,” said Mr Aroni.

Building on her role on Hickory’s Advisory Board, Sally Capp AO will help guide Hickory’s long-term strategy and key stakeholder relationships as the company’s inaugural Chief Strategy Officer. Working with government, industry and commercial partners, she will support priorities including housing affordability, workforce development and sovereign capability, ensuring Hickory’s integrated model continues to deliver innovation and value across the private and public sectors.

Commenting on her appointment, Hickory Group Chief Strategy Officer Sally Capp said she was pleased to step into an executive role with a focus on shaping the company’s next phase of strategic growth.

“At a time when affordability pressures are being intensified by global uncertainty, the industry needs smarter, more efficient ways of building. Hickory’s investment in manufacturing innovation across the whole supply chain is a critical part of that response,” said Ms Capp.

“I’m looking forward to helping the business continue to scale these capabilities for the benefit of the construction industry and the communities it supports.”

As Chief Financial Officer, Michael Curtis has assumed responsibility for the group’s growing finances. With more than 18 years of senior finance experience across a range of construction, ASX-listed, mining and manufacturing companies, Michael will guide Hickory through its next phase of growth.

In the newly created role of Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Persia Gough has taken the reins of Hickory’s brand portfolio, with a remit to drive customer engagement and shape the way Hickory communicates its vision, values and capabilities. Persia is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in brand strategy, stakeholder engagement and market positioning.

Joining Hickory with over 20 years of experience working across multiple industries including at 7-Eleven and John Holland Group, Pete Howell has stepped into the role of Chief People Officer. Pete will focus on shaping a people-first environment, driving professional growth from within, strengthening Hickory’s capability and creating opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals.

After being in the business for a year, Ben Williams has recently been promoted to Construction Director, leading the Victorian construction division and project portfolio. With more than 25 years of experience delivering high-profile, complex construction projects, Ben is charged with driving the delivery of landmark projects and is committed to helping drive operational excellence across the business.

The leadership appointments have been coupled with a restructure of Hickory’s internal departments, strengthening its property development capability alongside its core construction business. Continuing in their roles are Michael Argyrou (Group CEO), George Abraham (Managing Director), Craig Hunter (Chief Information Officer) and Richard Anderson (General Counsel).