Peter Spira departs Meriton after 36 years

Harry Triguboff’s longtime right-hand man, Peter Spira, is retiring having joined the firm as an architect in 1978.

His last day as as the general manager of the east coast developer, Meriton is Friday, 11 December. He has been the general manager since the 1980s.

"Peter has been with me for more than 35 years and has been involved in every development," Triguboff said.

"We hope that Peter will succeed in whatever he wants to do, and enjoy some well-earned rest," he added.

Spira joined Meriton in 1978 as the company’s first in-house architect, leading the architecture department before being appointed general manager, and finally a director, of Meriton Group. Alway's the low key lieutenant.

“I’ve been privileged to work with Harry Triguboff and Meriton for 36 years,” Spira said in a media statement.

“I believe the company has an enormous future.

"We have excellent staff who, led by Harry, will help take the company forward.

"Given Harry’s determination, tenacity and love for the company, I always expected it would last forever - in many ways, we were always the largest builder in our field but as others have grown, we’ve grown more.

"I’m proud to have been a part of the Meriton family, which has produced about 50,000 apartments in my time with the company.” 

Chris Johnson, head of Urban Taskforce Australia, sums it up saying over many years, Peter had quietly driven the projects, negotiated with councils and ensured that Meriton's targets were met.

"He will be very hard to replace," Johnson advised.

There is not replacement yet to be announced by the company that is effectively up for sale after offers from Chinese property development giants.

Meriton has come a long way since founder Harry Triguboff built his first block of flats in Tempe in 1963.

"We were recently awarded the title of Australia’s Top Home Builder, with more than 7,000 homes commenced last year," Triguboff said this week.

"We have evolved, building some of Australia’s tallest residential buildings in spectacular locations.

"The quality of our finishes is impeccable.

"And we lead the way in creating dynamic communities," he said.

To reflect this evolution, Meriton unveiled a new look and feel.

"Our brand has changed to better reflect our strength and quality." 

The changing Meriton logo over time from 1963. Source: Supplied.