The Greek Australian community is mourning the sudden passing of Nick Andrianakos, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, who died on Sunday at the age of 81 while on a visit to Greece.
According to media reports from argolida24.gr Andrianakos suffered a heart attack in Argos, where he was in order to explore an investment opportunity. He fell ill during a meeting and was rushed to the local hospital by emergency services, every effort to revive him was unsuccessful and Andrianakos was pronounced dead.
Nick Andrianakos, originally from Pikerni, Arkadia, immigrated to Melbourne in the mid-1960s at the age of 22, after completing his Greek Army service. His journey to success began with the purchase of a small petrol station in 1973 for $81,000—an investment made possible through his savings and a small loan.
Over the decades, he built a business empire, founding Milemaker Petroleum, a major fuel retail company. In 2016, he sold the company to Caltex, securing his status as one of the wealthiest Greek Australians.
His business interests expanded into property investment, with the Andrianakos Property Group acquiring a diverse portfolio of industrial, commercial, and retail properties. Recently, his company, led by his son Theo Andrianakos, made headlines for purchasing a 50 per cent stake in Melbourne’s Northland Shopping Centre for $385 million. The group also owns Broadmeadows Central and had previously invested $138.2 million in Colonnades Shopping Centre in Adelaide.
Beyond his business achievements, Andrianakos was widely respected for his philanthropy. He was a generous benefactor of the Greek Community of Melbourne, contributing significantly to Alphington Grammar School. His donations funded the construction of a state-of-the-art multipurpose hall, which bears his name.
Known for his authenticity and deep connection to his roots, he made frequent visits to Greece and remained passionate about giving back to both his homeland and the Greek Australian community.
In a previous interview with Neos Kosmos, Andrianakos reflected on his journey from a small village in Arcadia to becoming a business magnate in Australia. He recalled his early years selling goods in nearby villages, working as a forklift driver, petrol station attendant, and an employee at General Motors before embarking on his entrepreneurial path.
Despite his success, he remained humble and grounded, emphasizing the importance of hard work and generosity.
“Success is not just about wealth—it’s about being a good person and helping others,” he once said.
His passing marks the loss of not only a business leader but also a pillar of the Greek Australian community.
Nick Andrianakos is survived by his family, who continue his legacy through their business and philanthropic endeavours.
