Multiplex NZ boss decides to go it alone

By ANNE GIBSON

After 15 years working for Australian firms, Multiplex Construction's New Zealand managing director Shane Brealey is going out on his own.

Calling himself "a proud Aucklander", the building boss is leaving the Australian-listed firm at the end of this month to start his own business, NZ Strong Construction.

Brealey, who spearheaded Multiplex's push into New Zealand, said he had "a Jerry Maguire moment" when he decided he had the skills and contacts to leave a large corporate. Like Tom Cruise in the movie about a sports executive who leaves a large conglomerate, Brealey said he realised he was no longer happy working for big business and would gain more satisfaction starting from scratch.

Under his gaze Multiplex had completed $600 million worth of building work in five years.

Brealey, 41, headed Multiplex's first building job here for Auckland developer Andrew Krukziener, putting up his high-rise Metropolis hotel/apartment tower in the city's heart.

Brealey also spent five years at Lend Lease and five years at Mirvac Group but said it was now time to put his energies into a New Zealand-owned enterprise.

Under his leadership, Multiplex secured the $300 million redevelopment of Auckland's historic Britomart buildings, about to get under way.

Last year Multiplex Group raised A$1.5 billion ($1.64 billion) in an initial public offering and last week it announced a deal to buy $145 million worth of supermarket and distribution centres in New Zealand.