Billionaire Profile
Harry Triguboff
Global Rank
#104

Image: Meriton Apartments Photographer | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Harry Triguboff

CEO, Real estate
AUSTRALIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$23.003B
Estimated based on Real estate stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
92
Source
Real estate
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
AUSTRALIA

Biography

Harry Triguboff is an Australian billionaire and real estate mogul, born on March 3, 1933, in Dalian, China. As the founder and managing director of Meriton, Triguboff has built over 80,000 apartments across Australia's eastern seaboard. His source of wealth is primarily real estate. He has a net worth of $23.0 billion, and his career is marked by pioneering high-density apartment living in Sydney, and he has been recognized with numerous accolades for his achievements. Triguboff is a strong advocate for population growth and has been actively involved in philanthropy. He is known for his hands-on management style and continues to be involved in the design and construction of Meriton projects.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Harry Triguboff was born on March 3, 1933, in Dalian, China, to Russian Jewish parents. His family fled the Japanese occupation during his childhood and later settled in Australia in 1947. He attended Scots College in Sydney and studied textile engineering at the University of Leeds in England.

Rise to Success

Triguboff's career began in the 1960s when he saw the growing demand for affordable housing in Sydney. He founded Meriton in 1963, and his vision was to promote apartment living as an alternative to traditional freestanding homes. Over the years, Meriton has become Australia's largest residential developer, building over 80,000 apartments and numerous residential towers.

Key Business Strategies

Triguboff's success stems from his ability to identify market needs and his commitment to quality. He has focused on building high-density apartments and has maintained a hands-on approach to management. He is known for his long-term vision and his willingness to challenge conventional norms, as well as his advocacy for apartment living.

Philanthropy

Harry Triguboff is a generous philanthropist. Through the Harry Triguboff Foundation, he supports various causes related to children's health, animal welfare, and nature conservation. He gives around A$3 million each year through his foundation.

Career Milestones

1963

Founded Meriton

Established Meriton, a property development and construction company.

2003, 2009

Property Person of the Year

Awarded Australia's Property Person of the Year.

2020

Lifetime Achievement Award

Awarded The CEO Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Harry Triguboff Foundation

$3M

Supports various causes related to children's health, animal welfare, and nature conservation.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I don't compromise when I am sure that I am right.""

""A good leader is someone who believes in what the company does. He must have faith in it – if he doesn't, it'll never work.""

""I am often asked how I succeeded.""

Leadership Principles

Customer Focus

Prioritizing the needs and wants of the customer.

Vision

Seeing the potential of apartment living when most aspired to single-family homes.

Hands-on Approach

Maintaining direct involvement in the design and construction of all projects.

Controversies & Challenges

2002

Building Defects Regis Towers

Owners at the 653-apartment Regis Towers in Sydney commenced legal action against Meriton over building defects. Meriton agreed to co-operate and signed deeds to fix the problems; the case was dropped in late 2003.

2004

World Tower Defects

At World Tower, completed in 2004, the owners' corporation served Meriton with at least 15 official breach notices between 2011 and 2013, alleging building defects and maintenance issues worth more than A$1 million.

2019

Altitude Tower Parramatta Septic Leak

Residents of Meriton's Altitude Tower in Parramatta were forced to vacate their apartments after a septic tank leak contaminated their belongings.