Vale Spiro Georgiou

Business leaders have paid tribute to Georgiou Group founder Spiro Georgiou, who has died aged 88.

Mr Georgiou has been described as determined, inspiring, kind and an industry icon in an outpouring of grief from his industry peers, friends and family.

The Georgiou Group founder died on December 27, 2023, and had carried on working at the construction giant until the age of 85.

In a statement on the company’s website, Mr Georgiou was remembered for his dedication to the group and to his family.

“His leadership, integrity, and dedication turned a small construction company into a national success, guided by principles of hard work and unwavering loyalty to employees,” the statement read.

“Spiro’s personal and professional life intertwined seamlessly, with family members actively contributing to Georgiou Group’s growth.

“His enduring commitment to keeping everyone employed exemplified a deep-rooted concern for others’ wellbeing.

“Spiro’s relentless work ethic persisted until the age of 85, leaving an indelible mark on his family, friends, business associates, and the Australian construction industry.”

Born in Kastoria, Greece in March 1935, Mr Georgiou migrated to Western Australia in 1953 on the eve of his 18^th birthday to join his father Dimitrious, who moved to Australia when Spiro was six-years-old.

He gained his plumbing licence early in his time in WA, when he worked at Lyons and Pearce. Prior to that, he worked for the Public Works Department.

Mr Georgiou met his wife Agnoula in 1960, and they went on to have four children, John – the company’s current chairman - Dimitrious, Sophia and Maria.

He and Agnoula founded infrastructure company Direct Drainage in 1977, which would later become Georgiou Group.

The state’s third largest commercial construction company, according to Data & Insights, Georgiou Group has more than $1 billion worth of projects on its books in WA.

These include the Tonkin Gap Alliance, Midland Train Station and St John of God Hospital in Subiaco.

Tributes

Mr Georgiou’s wife Agnoula published a touching tribute to her husband in death notices.

“The love and life we shared was an inspiration to all,” she wrote.

“In all the world no heart for me like yours. In all the world there is no love for you like mine.

“Wherever you are you will always be in my heart.”

Family members also expressed their grief and appreciation for his legacy, describing Mr Georgiou as a “remarkable man” and the “ever-present guiding light” of the family.

Georgiou Group’s recent post on LinkedIn paying homage to Mr Georgiou’s life attracted dozens of comments from colleagues and industry peers.

Georgiou Group chief executive Gary Georgiou, who is no relation to Spiro, described the company’s founder as “a truly great man who is going to be very much missed”.

“His legacy will live on in the culture instilled in Georgiou Group,” he wrote.

“It was a beautiful service today (Thursday) attended by so many people who paid their respects and remembered Spiro for all the things he achieved and stood for.”

Liberal Party aspirant and Property Council of Australia leader Sandra Brewer described Mr Georgiou as an “exceptional Australian”.

“His contribution was immense and will endure. My sympathy to the Georgiou family and team,” she wrote.  

Hawaiian chief operating officer Richard Kilbane offered his condolences to John and the Georgiou family and team.

“So much achieved, and in manner that inspires,” he posted.

Clough project manager Amin Sadeghi, who worked at Georgiou Group for close to eight years, recalled fond memories of working with Spiro.

“His deep and meaningful relationship with all of us, from operators to engineers, labours and managers, all and all,” he stated.

“He was a true leader and a gentleman who was always willing to listen and support where possible.”

George Bardas, chief executive of NSW construction company Taylor, expressed his appreciation for Mr Georgiou’s positive impact.

“He has left a great legacy to all the immigrant families that have made Australia home and is an example to all young people,” he stated.

Frank Marra, who spent two decades as the chief executive of DevelopmentWA until last year, also offered his condolences to the Georgiou family.

Spiro Georgiou is survived by his wife Agnoula, his children Sophia, Maria, Dimitrious and John, grandchildren James, Amanda, Kris, Peter, Alex, Tahnee, Spiro and Pearl, and great-grandchildren Lukas, Theo, Hope and Ariana.