Vertically integrated construction and property company Hickory has announced the appointment of five new executives, strengthening its C-suite and broader leadership team as the business accelerates growth in digital infrastructure and living sectors and expands its footprint across New South Wales.
With a $2.5 billion secured workbook and a workforce of more than 1,000 people, Hickory is well positioned for continued growth. The business will continue to leverage its self-perform construction and manufacturing capabilities to deliver greater certainty, efficiency and value for both 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 the 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.”
The executive appointments align with a refined corporate direction developed with the Hickory Advisory Board, chaired by Benni Aroni, and reflect a continued focus on growth underpinned by Hickory’s values-led, people-first approach.
“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 has been appointed as the company’s inaugural Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, she will help guide Hickory’s long-term strategy and key stakeholder relationships, working closely with government, industry and commercial partners. Her remit includes advancing priorities such as housing affordability, workforce development and sovereign capability, ensuring Hickory’s integrated model continues to deliver innovation and value across both 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 focused 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 Hickory’s growing financial portfolio. With more than 18 years of senior finance experience across construction, ASX-listed, mining and manufacturing companies, he will guide the business through its next phase of growth.
In the newly created role of Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Persia Gough now leads Hickory’s brand portfolio, with a focus on driving customer engagement and shaping how the business communicates its vision, values and capabilities. Persia brings extensive experience in brand strategy, stakeholder engagement and market positioning.
Joining Hickory as Chief People Officer, Pete Howell brings more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries, including senior roles at 7-Eleven and John Holland Group. In his role, Pete will focus on reinforcing a people-first environment, driving internal career pathways, strengthening capability and creating opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals.
Following a year with the business, Ben Williams has been promoted to Construction Director, leading Hickory’s Victorian construction division and project portfolio. With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex, high-profile projects, Ben is responsible for driving the delivery of landmark projects and advancing operational excellence across the business.
These leadership appointments coincide with a restructuring of Hickory’s internal departments, strengthening its property development capability alongside its core construction operations.
Continuing in their roles are Michael Argyrou (Group CEO), George Abraham (Managing Director), Craig Hunter (Chief Information Officer) and Richard Anderson (General Counsel).
