Developer Hickory has confirmed the establishment of its new Advisory Board, with three high-calibre additions to the team – former Lord Mayor Sally Capp AO, former Chair of Development Victoria Megan Haas, and current Vice Chairman of Macquarie Capital Hugh Falcon.
Chaired by Benni Aroni, the Advisory Board also includes Hickory’s CEO Michael Argyrou and Managing Director George Abraham. The Advisory Board will support Hickory in strengthening Government and institutional relationships and advancing its digital and AI strategy.
Aligned with Hickory’s four strategic pillars – financial performance, customer experience, talent development, and continuous improvement – the team will help navigate rising construction costs, affordable housing challenges, and long-term growth.
A key focus is leading the industry in modern construction methods, leveraging Hickory’s prefabrication techniques.
“We feel extremely privileged to have Sally, Megan, and Hugh joining our Advisory Board – we’ve crossed paths with these influential leaders many times throughout our 34-year history, and we know that they have the knowledge, relationships and expertise to guide our teams to the next level.”
Michael Argyrou, CEO, Hickory
Melbourne’s first directly elected Lord Mayor Sally Capp AO is currently the CEO of Create Advisory Group and has held roles as CEO for the Committee for Melbourne, the Victorian Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia and was the first female Agent-General for Victoria in UK, Europe and Israel from 2009 to 2013.
Megan carries over 30 years professional experience and currently sits across nunerous notable boards including the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, Victoria Police’s Audit & Risk Committee, and RMIT University.
Her expertise in aligning technology with business will underpin her counsel during Hickory’s ongoing and future projects, particularly aiding the company as it continues to couple tech solutions with its construction methodology, such as pre-fabrication and AI systems.
“I have always been deeply focused on getting the best out of Melbourne and supporting its growth, culture and lifestyle.
“I have always believed the property and construction industries play a critical role in driving Victoria’s economy and shaping the future of our city, and I’m proud to be working with Hickory – an organisation that not only shares that same belief but actively innovates to deliver meaningful outcomes for Melbourne’s growth, resilience and liveability.”
Sally Capp, Former Lord Mayor of Melbourne
Hugh carries almost 30 years of international capital markets experience including over 10 years serving on Macquarie Capital’s Australia & New Zealand and Asia Pacific management committee.
In his previous role as Head of Capital Markets Asia Pacific, Hugh advised on some of the largest and most complex capital raisings to have been undertaken across our region.
Previously a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs in Australia, Hugh brings a wealth of corporate and institutional relationships as well as financial services expertise to Hickory.
