Michael Hill Chair Steps Down

RAPAPORT… Emma Hill plans to retire from her role as chair of her father’s jewelry chain, Michael Hill, at the end of the month.

Hill — who has worked for the Australia-based company since starting on the shop floor of a New Zealand branch at 13 — will leave on June 28, the retailer said last week. During her more than 30-year tenure at Michael Hill, she established the Canadian arm of the company, before joining the board in 2007. In 2011, she became deputy chair, taking over the chairmanship from her father, Sir Michael Hill, in 2015.

Meanwhile, Rob Fyfe, former CEO of Air New Zealand, will be chairman of Michael Hill, having served on the company’s board for the past seven years.

“Rob is an outstanding strategic and transformative leader with a track record of maximizing shareholder value,” said Emma Hill. “The time is right for this transition. The company has never been in a healthier position.”

Emma Hill will remain with the jeweler as a non-executive director. In addition, Michael Hill CEO Daniel Bracken will join the board as managing director at the end of the month.

“CEO Daniel is delivering exceptional results across our transformation program,” Hill added. “He has elevated customer experience and continues to strengthen our market position. We are at an exciting juncture and this dual refresh will further enhance our capability.”

Image: Emma Hill. (Michael Hill)