The company announced the news today (July 29) in a statement that expressed condolences to Hill’s family and friends.
“Sir Michael was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and committed father and husband who, with his wife Lady Christine, founded and grew Michael Hill from its humble beginnings in Whangarei, New Zealand, to a global retail jewellery brand that spans Australia, New Zealand, and Canada,” the statement reads.
“What began as a job soon became a passion. Sir Michael had a natural gift for storytelling, a keen eye for visual merchandising, an instinct for attracting customers and a gift for selling. He won international awards for his window displays and revolutionised the store’s advertising with bold, unconventional campaigns.”
In April, the company issued a statement confirming that Hill would be taking a leave of absence to undergo medical treatment, with Andrea Slingsby appointed director.
Michael Hill International was founded in 1979 by Michael Hill and his wife, Christine, in Whangarei. The business expanded to Australia in 1987 and today operates more than 200 stores across three countries. Chairman Rob Fyfe said that the legacy would be continued.
“To every endeavour 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.”
In a social media post, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Hill as an inspirational figure in the local business community.
“Sir Michael Hill’s aspiration, grit, and determination to succeed not only built a globally recognised brand, but also inspired generations of Kiwi entrepreneurs to dream big,” Luxon wrote.
“He built a brand from scratch and gave back to the country that he loved. May he rest in peace.”
Michael Hill International is headquartered in Queensland.
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