Hickory makes strategic moves, announcing the establishment of their 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 three newly-appointed industry leaders bring a wealth of experience across property, housing, technology, business and finance, leadership, and innovation.
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 innovative prefabrication techniques.
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 2009-2013.
Megan Haas brings over 30 years professional experience and currently sits across a number of notable boards including the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, Victoria Police’s Audit & Risk Committee, and RMIT University. Haas’ 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.
Hugh Falcon brings almost 30 years of international capital markets experience including over 10 years serving on Macquarie Capital’s Australia & New Zealand / 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.
Drawing upon such a wealth of experience will provide Hickory’s leadership team with further advice, guidance and counsel to cement its reputation as a prominent builder across Sydney and Melbourne, while allowing it to grow its footprint with innovative new technologies, says CEO Michael Argyrou.
“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.
Former Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp is excited to be part of the advisory board, with shared goals, values and vision between her and the Hickory leadership team.
“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,” said Capp.
