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.
The new appointments are Sally Capp AO as Chief Strategy Officer, Michael Curtis as Chief Financial Officer, Persia Gough as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Pete Howell as Chief People Officer and Ben Williams as Construction Director.
With a $2.5bn secured workbook and a 1,000-plus 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.
“For over 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.
“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.”
Michael Argyrou, CEO, Hickory Group
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.”
Benni Aroni, Advisory Board Chair, Hickory Group
Building on her role on Hickory’s Advisory Board, Sally 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.
“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. 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.”
Sally Capp, Chief Strategy Officer, Hickory Group
As Chief Financial Officer, Michael has assumed responsibility for the group’s growing finances. With over 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 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 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 has recently been promoted to Construction Director, leading the Victorian construction division and project portfolio.
With over 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).
