Founding chairman of Australian construction firm Multiplex, John Roberts, has died at the age of 73 after a long illness.

Mr Roberts founded Multiplex in Perth in 1962 and it became one of Australia's biggest builders, making bold forays into foreign markets, including the UK.

He was awarded the Order of Australia in 1988 for his contribution to the construction and horse racing industries.

His greatest career highlights were reportedly being awarded the job of building Sydney’s Olympic stadium, a job that led to the $1 billion contract to redevelop the spiritual home of soccer, England’s Wembley stadium. As a result of the contract the company was floated on the Australian Stock Exchange but after the Wembley project ran into serious complications and became embroiled in legal action, stock prices plummeted and Roberts stood down as Chairman. Ironically perhaps, Roberts' death came as Multiplex UK celebrated its win over steel subcontractor Cleveland Bridge UK, whom it had fought in the UK courts over alleged contract breaches on the troubled Wembley Stadium project.

As an interesting aside, an intensely private man, Roberts first interview with the media was given in 1992 (to the Sydney Morning Herald's Kate McClymont) after Multiplex had been operating for a mere 30 years !