Early Life
Harry Oskar Triguboff was born on March 3, 1933, in Dalian, China, to Russian Jewish parents who fled antisemitism in Russia. He spent his early childhood in Tianjin, China, and later attended the Scots College in Sydney after immigrating to Australia in 1948. Triguboff later graduated with a degree in textiles from the University of Leeds in England.
Rise to Success
Triguboff returned to Australia in 1950 and became an Australian citizen in 1961. He started his career in the textile industry before transitioning to real estate. In 1963, he founded Meriton, starting with a modest block of apartments in Gladesville, Sydney. Triguboff pioneered high-rise apartment developments, recognizing the potential of high-density living when most Australians preferred single-family homes. Over the decades, Meriton has built over 79,000 residential apartments.
Key Business Strategies
Triguboff’s key business strategies include focusing on apartment development, especially in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. He built a vertically integrated company, handling construction, sales, and leasing. Triguboff has always had a hands-on approach, reviewing all aspects of his business. He demonstrated a strong commitment to seeing demand continuing and has shown the ability to adapt to market changes. He also built relationships with contractors and a reputation for providing high-quality apartments.
Philanthropy
Triguboff is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Harry Triguboff Foundation, supporting numerous causes. He has been a generous philanthropist, providing millions of dollars each year in financial support. He has also funded projects for organizations such as the Shorashim Centre to assist immigrants applying for admission into Israel.