How Did Harry Triguboff Make His Money?

Harry Triguboff’s Profile Summary

Company	Meriton
Position	Managing Director
Source of wealth	Real estate development
Also known as	High-Rise Harry
Age	92
Education	Textile engineering
Citizenship	Australian
Residence	Sydney, Australia
Family	Married, two daughters
Website, Social Media	https://www.meriton.com.au/

Harry Triguboff’s biography

Born on March 3, 1933, in Dalian, China, to Russian-Jewish parents, Harry Oskar Triguboff moved to Australia in 1947. He completed his education at Scots College in Sydney and later pursued textile engineering at the University of Leeds in England. After working in the textile industry in South Africa and Israel, Triguboff returned to Australia in 1960, becoming an Australian citizen in 1961.

In 1963, identifying a growing demand for residential housing in Sydney, Triguboff founded Meriton and built his first block of eight units in the suburb of Gladesville. Over the decades, under his leadership, Meriton has constructed over 78,000 residential apartments, making it Australia's largest apartment developer. His innovative approach earned him the nickname "High-Rise Harry," as he was among the first to recognize and capitalize on the potential of high-density living in Australia.

Triguboff's business acumen has been widely recognized. He was the first person to win Australia's Property Person of the Year award twice, in 2003 and 2009. As of January 2025, his net worth is estimated at $15.6 billion, ranking him among Australia's wealthiest individuals.

Despite his immense wealth, Triguboff is known for his hands-on management style, maintaining daily involvement in Meriton's operations even into his 90s. He has also been active in philanthropy, supporting various causes related to children's health, animal welfare, and nature conservation.

In recent years, Triguboff has focused on succession planning to ensure Meriton's continued success. He appointed his grandson, Daniel Hendler, as deputy managing director, emphasizing the importance of keeping the company intact for future generations.

Triguboff's life reflects a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and a commitment to transforming Australia's urban landscape through innovative property development.

How did Harry Triguboff make money?

Jonathan Gray's ascent in the business world is a testament to strategic acumen and a keen eye for investment opportunities. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992, he joined Blackstone Group, a leading global investment firm, where he began his career in the private equity division. Recognizing the potential in real estate, Gray transitioned to the firm's newly formed real estate group, a move that would define his professional trajectory.

In the mid-1990s, Gray played a pivotal role in Blackstone's entry into the real estate market, focusing on acquiring undervalued assets. His strategic foresight was evident during the early 2000s when he led the firm's investments in the hotel industry, notably the acquisition of Wyndham Hotels and later Hilton Worldwide. The Hilton deal, valued at $26 billion in 2007, was particularly significant; despite initial challenges, Gray's leadership steered Hilton through the financial crisis, culminating in a successful public offering in 2013.

Gray's investment strategy often involved identifying distressed assets with potential for turnaround. During the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, he led Blackstone's acquisition of numerous residential properties, capitalizing on the housing market downturn. This initiative resulted in the creation of Invitation Homes, which became one of the largest single-family rental home operators in the United States.

Under Gray's stewardship, Blackstone's real estate portfolio expanded exponentially, making it one of the largest real estate private equity firms globally. His success within the firm led to his appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer in 2018, positioning him as a key figure in Blackstone's overall strategic direction.

Gray's wealth is primarily derived from his substantial holdings in Blackstone. As of 2025, his net worth reflects the firm's growth and profitability, driven by successful investments across various real estate sectors, including hospitality, residential, and commercial properties. His business success is marked by a combination of strategic investment decisions, effective management, and an ability to navigate complex market dynamics.
What is Harry Triguboff net worth?

As of 2025, Harry Triguboff’s net worth is estimated to be $19.6 B.

What is Harry Triguboff also known as?

Harry Triguboff, often referred to as "High-Rise Harry," is renowned for revolutionizing Australia's residential landscape by pioneering high-density apartment living through his company, Meriton.

Prominent achievements of Harry Triguboff

Harry Triguboff has played a significant role in reshaping Australia's urban landscape through high-rise residential developments. He is one of the country’s most successful property developers, having built over 78,000 apartments through Meriton, and remains one of Australia's wealthiest individuals and most prominent philanthropists.

What are Harry Triguboff’s key insights?

Harry Triguboff believes in the importance of building affordable, high-density housing to address growing urban populations. His business philosophy revolves around efficiency, customer-centric service, and long-term growth. He prioritizes keeping his business private to maintain control and ensure continuity.

Harry Triguboff’s personal life

Harry Triguboff is married and has two daughters. His grandson, Daniel Hendler, has been appointed as deputy managing director of Meriton, indicating the family's continued involvement in the business.