Hutchinson Builders appoint Russell Fryer to replace Greg Quinn as managing director

There has been a shake-up at the top of Hutchinson Builders – Australia’s largest privately-owned builder – with the retirement of the company’s managing director.

Hutchies chairman Scott Hutchinson and retiring managing director Greg Quinn.

After 21 years in the top job at Australia’s largest privately owned construction company, Greg Quinn has retired.

Since joining Hutchinson Builders in 2001 as the first non-family member to be managing director, Mr Quinn has driven an increase in the company’s turnover from $130m to $2.7bn.

He will remain on the board as a non-executive director.

Mr Quinn has been replaced as managing director by Russell Fryer, who has been with Hutchinson for two decades.

Hutchinson chairman Scott Hutchinson said Mr Quinn was a one of a kind in the industry.

“He operated with a simple mantra of working hard and being fair with everyone,” he said. “He has played a huge role in supporting and growing local construction businesses, pushing grassroots training and employment opportunities, and led (us) to become Australia’s largest privately owned builder.”

Paul Hart and Hutchies new managing director Russell Fryer.

Since being recruited, Mr Quinn has overseen a steady national expansion.

“His huge contribution has cemented Hutchies into a vibrant and dynamic construction business today – and many people across Australia are beneficiaries of the legacy Greg has built throughout our industry,” Mr Hutchinson said.

Mr Quinn said: “I view my term of 21 years as just a little piece in the 110-year history of the now largest – and what I believe is the best – construction company in Australia.”

Mr Fryer joined the company in 1998 and has hands-on experience in all facets of the business, most recently as construction team leader and director, overseeing the delivery of more than 400 individual projects in his time.

He said the company was proud to maintain its unique culture, structure, and family ownership.

“Our strong financial position makes us the builder of choice for developers, subcontractors, consultants and suppliers – because we’re stable, we pay on time, we push boundaries to create the best outcomes, our buildings are high quality and we’re in it for the long haul,” he said.

The company has had a number of other recent leadership changes, appointed chief operating officer Paul Hart, who joined Hutchinson in 1989, along with family member Jack Hutchinson Jr as directors.

Originally published as Hutchinson Builders appoint Russell Fryer to replace Greg Quinn as managing director