Titans, moguls and pioneers who built Qld in recent years: Where are they now?
They’re our shopping centre owners, development titans and business entrepreneurs – and they all have one thing in common. SEE THE LIST
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They’re our shopping centre owners, development titans and business entrepreneurs – and they all have one thing in common.
Meet the powerful and influential people who built Queensland in recent years, whether it was through construction, culture or creativity.
While not every empire may have ended perfectly, one way or another these people shaped the state and own a lasting legacy.
See the list and find out where they are now >>>
Soheil & Sahba Abedian
Best known for: Founders of Sunland Group, renowned for iconic projects like Q1 on the Gold Coast.
Where are they now: In 2020, the Abedians announced the winding up of Sunland Group, distributing assets to shareholders over three years. The decision was based on market valuation concerns and a strategic shift away from public company operations.
Don O’Rorke
Best known for: Co-founder of Consolidated Properties Group, instrumental in various Queensland developments.
Where are they now: While still active in the industry, O’Rorke has expressed concerns about the construction sector’s challenges, emphasising the need for developers to share risks with builders to ensure project success.
Gordon Fu
Best known for:Australia’s largest private owner of shopping centres, including assets like Mt Ommaney Centre and Strathpine Centre.
Where are they now: The Fu family’s YFG Property Group continues to manage their extensive portfolio, with ongoing investments and developments in southeast Queensland.
Walter Russich
Best known for: Founder of Zio Mario’s, one of Brisbane’s oldest Italian restaurants, established in 1985.
Where are they now: Retired in December 2024 at age 81, planning to travel to Italy and spend time with family. The restaurant closed after nearly 40 years of operation.
Maria Noutsatos & Toula Scott
Best known for: Owners of Frigg, a cafe and catering company with five outlets across the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Where are they now: Entered voluntary liquidation in 2023 due to challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and increasing costs.
Peter Wen
Best known for: Owners of multiple Queensland shopping centres, including Park Ridge Town Centre.
Where are they now: In 2023, the Wen family’s Chin Hong Group acquired its 11th Queensland shopping centre, demonstrating continued expansion in the retail property sector.
George Frazis
Best known for: CEO of BOQ from 2019, overseeing the acquisition of ME Bank and initiating a technology transformation.
Where are they now: Stepped down in late 2022 after the board decided new leadership was needed to navigate future challenges. Is now listed as the founder and CEO of George Capital Finance Solutions.
Greg Beashel
Best known for: CEO of Queensland Sugar Limited, playing a significant role in the Australian sugarcane industry.
Where are they now: Announced retirement effective June 30, 2023, after years of service and contributions to the industry.
Ian Macfarlane
Best known for: CEO of Queensland Resources Council, advocating for the mining industry in Queensland.
Where are they now: Stepped down at the end of 2023, with the Minerals Council of Australia recognising his legacy in the resources sector.
Alejandro Cancino & Paola Moro
Best known for: Fënn Foods, co-founded in 2015, went into liquidation on October 9, 2024.
Where are they now: After the liquidation, the company’s assets were acquired by Smart Foods. Cancino and Moro have since maintained a lower public profile, with limited information available about their current endeavours.
Dan Norris
Best known for: Black Hops Brewing entered voluntary administration in March 2024 due to debts exceeding $7.3 million. Norris departed the company in early 2023.
Where are they now: Following his departure, Norris has returned to podcasting and writing, focusing on business transparency and personal branding. He has also been candid about his experiences during the company’s financial difficulties.
Simon Gloftis
Best known for: Gloftis closed Hellenika at Nobby Beach in late 2018 to concentrate on his Brisbane ventures.
Where are they now: He continues to operate SK Steak & Oyster and Hellenika in Brisbane, maintaining a significant presence in the city’s dining scene.
Pat Flanagan
Best known for: A prominent engineer and the founder of Flanagan Consulting Group, a key player in urban planning and infrastructure development in Far North Queensland.
He was notably involved in the ambitious AQUIS resort and casino project proposed for Yorkeys Knob, which, although ultimately not realised, was one of the most significant development proposals in the region’s history.
Where are they now: Retired from active consultancy work but remains engaged in discussions about regional development. He continues to share insights on infrastructure and planning, drawing from his extensive experience in the field.
Shannon Kellam
Best known for: In May 2024, Kellam’s hospitality group, which included Mica Brasserie, King Street Bakery, and Lumiere Culinary Studio, entered liquidation, resulting in the closure of all venues and the loss of 90 jobs.
Where are they now: Kellam has maintained a low public profile since the liquidation, with no confirmed reports of new ventures.
Billy Cross
Best known for: Cross has been involved in various ventures, including Nineteen at The Star and perhaps most famously Manpower.
Where are they now: He remains active in the entertainment industry, focusing on large-scale events and collaborations with tourism operators.
Dr Prins Ralston
Best known for: Served as the Chief Executive Officer of Townsville City Council from 2020 until his resignation in May 2024. During his tenure, he led the Council through significant growth and development initiatives, contributing to the city’s upward momentum in challenging circumstances.
Where are they now: Following his resignation, Dr. Ralston expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Council and thanked the team of over 1800 employees for their support and dedication. Is now listed as non executive director at Powerlink Queensland.
Margaret & Alan Ballantyne
Best known for: The beloved strawberry farm, which cancelled its 2025 picking season due to “unforeseen circumstances” after new ownership took over in January 2024.
Where are they now: The Ballantynes have stepped back from operations, with the new owners planning to resume picking activities in 2026.
Scott Hutchinson
Best lnown for: Brisbane Skytower, Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane, and the Hobart Airport terminal expansion. Founded in 1912, Hutchinson Builders is Australia’s largest privately-owned construction company, headquartered in Brisbane.
Where are they now: In 2024, Hutchies led Queensland’s construction sector with 1,689 home starts, marking a 26.8% increase from the previous year.
Tony Lombardo
Best known for: Lendlease is a global property and infrastructure group with significant operations in Queensland.
Where are they now: In 2024, Lendlease received approval to sell 12 estates, including four in Queensland, to Stockland and its Thai affiliate, Supalai, in a $1.3 billion deal. Lombardo continues to run as CEO.
Brian & Peggy Flannery
Best known for: KTQ Developments, led by the Flannerys, focuses on luxury residential projects, particularly on the Gold Coast.
Where are they now: In 2024, they launched stage two of their Kirra Beach development, featuring a $200 million apartment tower and hotel.
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