Greek Australian billionaire Nikos Andrianakos passed away on March 17, 2025, at the age of 81. The prominent businessman died of heart failure at Argos Hospital in Argolida, Greece, where he was pursuing an investment project. Argolida24.gr reported that Andrianakos became ill during a meeting and, despite being rushed to the hospital, could not be revived.
Bill Papasteriadis, a close friend and president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook: “It is with much sadness that I note Nick Andrianakos passed away today. One of the true giants of our Community, he was a dear friend and significant benefactor. I will miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with his children and extended family.”
Born in Pikerni, Arcadia, Greece, Andrianakos emigrated to Australia in the 1960s at age 22. Starting with a single gas station in Melbourne in 1973, he built a real estate empire that included malls, office buildings, and other properties. By 2023, his family fortune reached $1.49 billion, ranking him as Australia’s second-richest Greek. In 2016, he sold his chain of 54 gas stations to Caltex Australia for $95 million, and his Andrianakos Property Group later acquired major shopping centers in Melbourne and Adelaide.
Andrianakos’ rags-to-riches story was matched by his generosity. A proud supporter of his heritage, he funded substance abuse rehabilitation centers and contributed significantly to the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne. His final project—a luxury hotel in Nafplio, Greece—reflected his enduring passion for both business and his roots. Known for his humility and authenticity, he leaves behind a legacy cherished by the business and philanthropic worlds.
Even though Andrianakos was sociable and relaxed in his later years, befitting someone who had already succeeded, his ambition to succeed persisted.
He spent much of his time in Greece, where he had been building a hotel in the ancient former capital of Nafplio – a coastal town on the Peloponnese peninsula, about a two-hour drive from Athens.
The development had been slow, but the hotel was finally slated to open this year.
He is survived by children Theo, Paul, Vicky, and Christina, and his grandchildren.