Josephine Sukkar

A former scientist and teacher, Josephine Sukkar AM MAICD established Buildcorp with her husband Tony Sukkar AM in 1990 despite the country in the throes of a sudden and protracted recession. Founded on a strong code of values that have been critical to their success, the construction company has thrived through three economic downturns to deliver almost $5 billion in projects across multiple sectors.
Buildcorp now employs over 330 staff and just last month was awarded 2019 Employer of Choice Award winner from the Australian Business Awards for the second consecutive year. As the only construction business to receive this honour, Josephine attributes Buildcorp’s ‘Culture of Choice’, Cadet training program, flexible work solutions, and outstanding female representation (83% higher than the construction industry average) to their high employee retention and job satisfaction.
In 2014 the Sukkar’s established the Buildcorp Foundation with the aim of raising $1m in a decade. They have raised twice that amount in five years, with proceeds supporting mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. The business has also sponsored grassroots rugby since 1992 including a national women’s championship (Buildcorp Super W) and the Australian Women’s XV, the Wallaroos.
Josephine serves on a number of private, public, government and not-for-profit boards, including Opera Australia and the Australian Museum, and is the President of Australian Women’s Rugby .