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Sir Michael Hill, founder and nonexecutive director of the eponymous jewelry company, died July 29 aged 86, following a medical battle.
Hill aspired to become a concert violinist, but he was forced to reconsider his career when he was advised in his late teens that it was too late to pursue this path. He decided to join his uncle’s family-owned jewelry business, marking the beginning of his journey into the industry, the company said Tuesday.
Hill’s jewelry career became his passion. With a natural talent for visual merchandising and attracting customers, he received international awards for his window displays.
“To every endeavor he pursued, Michael brought a deep sense of purpose, an enduring curiosity, open-mindedness and creativity that challenged all of us to embrace ever-more lofty goals and be unconstrained in our thinking — a legacy that will continue to inspire us,” said Michael Hill chairman Rob Fyfe.
Hill founded the jewelry retailer in 1979, with his wife Lady Christine, opening the first store in Whangārei, New Zealand. The company currently operates 287 stores across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Hill stepped down in April to undergo treatment for cancer. The company received another blow earlier this year when CEO Daniel Bracken died unexpectedly at age 57 following an adverse reaction to medical treatment.
A private memorial ceremony to celebrate Hill’s life will take place in Arrowtown, New Zealand.
Image: Sir Michael Hill. (Michael Hill)
