A strong culture of innovation, learning and growth is achieved through unified construction professionals, talented new recruits and a visionary executive team that leads by example.
Loyalty, commitment and transparency between our staff, customers and suppliers form the foundation upon which exceptional value and quality is delivered to clients. Because when everyone brings their unique skills, inventive thinking, hard work and tireless dedication to making something better, we can reshape an industry.
We act today for a better tomorrow. The choices we make today enable us to preserve tomorrow’s precious resources: time, money and our environment.
When we work, we don’t just follow the standard, we improve the process, enhance the method and refine the technique to find a better way.
Embracing our diversity and respecting all makes our team’s work outstanding. The best teams have the best people. To have the best people, we must help our people grow.
We understand the purpose of our work. Considering those we collaborate with ensures we can achieve excellence for all our customers. Thinking like our customer keeps us grounded, humble and effective.
Fourth-generation builders Michael and George Argyrou founded Hickory in 1991. Since then, the business has steadily evolved from a family-owned company into one of Australia’s pre-eminent property companies. Michael’s innate approach is to embrace, and lead industry change and continually strive to meet new challenges. His capacity to understand and integrate broader strategic objectives with attention to detail is key to Hickory’s success. Michael has steered the group on a trajectory of continual growth, vertical integration and continuous exploration of new industries.
Through the development of innovative prefabricated building systems Hickory is now a leader in modular construction, using patented technology to deliver high profile developments around Australia and setting new standards worldwide in accelerated project delivery and construction sustainability. The synergy of Michael’s commitment to his employees, clients, and success through collaboration, underpins his natural ability to guide all stakeholders to generate optimum results. Michael’s uncompromising professionalism has led him to generate global partnerships through industries across Developments, Data Centres and Construction. As a champion of innovation, Hickory has moved into new markets, built a reputation for excellence and grown ten-fold in the process. Michael is continually seeking new ways to transform the places in which we play.
George graduated from a Construction Management degree with 1st class honors and has managed major projects for some of Australia’s largest building firms. His stakeholder management skills continue to deliver outstanding results for Hickory, where he takes pride in leading by example, working together with his teams to get the job done. Recognised for his strong leadership skills, stakeholder management and knowledge of industrial relations, he quickly rose to prominence in the industry and is now set to lead Hickory’s future success as Managing Director.
Hickory’s in-house legal counsel, Poly Kiosses, has amassed an impressive portfolio of clients within the construction and engineering sector since entering the profession 15 years ago. Poly worked for a number of major law firms both in Australia and the UK before joining Hickory, gaining a wealth of experience representing large-scale contractors and developers worldwide. Before coming to Hickory, Poly also worked as the General Counsel of one of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers where she handled everything from a $600m engineering procurement and construction contract to multi-million dollar arbitration disputes.
Poly’s most recent experience with Hickory includes negotiating large-scale multi-million dollar agreements with developers, personally overseeing the execution of all major subcontracts and supply agreements on all Hickory projects and preparing a suite of unique Hickory Group subcontract and supply agreement templates for use on all projects run by Hickory Group businesses. An expert in litigation, handling disputes and contract negotiation, she has been a great addition to the Hickory team.
Mathew joined Hickory in 2018 to manage lease, finance and JV negotiations as well as research and preparation of development feasibility analyses for new projects in the pipeline. His role has further evolved and he is now Strategic Projects Director with a unique mix of skills across the Property Development and Business Creation lifecycles supported by strong business acumen. Responsible for delivering $500m+ in developments to the market and the Flex @ Market Lane flexible office brand, Mathews skillset and capability is reflected in his depth of responsibility. Operationally, Mathew has been instrumental with improving efficiencies of office practices and introducing new streamlined ways of working.
Jim joins us with a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving transformational change and exponential growth across a range of sectors. His commercially focused, results-driven approach is set to shape a more efficient, effective and forward-thinking department.
Michael Kouknas brings over 25 years of expertise across all aspects of delivery. Michael holds a pivotal role at the Hickory Sydney office, where he adeptly oversees multiple projects, ensuring they progress on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. His responsibilities extend to regular progress reporting to clients and stakeholders, along with coordinating market and customer research initiatives. Simultaneously, he takes charge of the Sydney office’s day-to-day operations.
We’re committed to making a lasting difference in the community and ensuring a better future for all Australians.
With a strong awareness of our social responsibility, and to help the good people of Hickory make an impact on the lives of others, we are committed to ongoing philanthropy. Hickory pledge time and valuable resources annually to charities and causes that make a sustainable difference to the lives of our families and the wider community.
Our vision for reconciliation is to contribute to an industry that acknowledges and understands the long history, deep connection, and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
For Hickory, this means that we will reflect and continue to improve every day. We strive to increase our knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures and provide more opportunities to develop strong relationships and increase influence throughout our reconciliation journey.
01.2023
08.2022
