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Sir Michael Hill, a jeweller and entrepreneur whose eponymous brand revolutionised jewellery retailing in Australia, passed away yesterday at the age of 86.
Born in New Zealand and coming from a long line in the trade, including a great grandmother who made jewellery for a Russian tsar, Hill's career began at his uncle's jewellery shop in Whangarei on the North Island.
In an interview with Business News Australia in 2019, Hill described the period working with his uncle as a "23-year apprenticeship", giving him the technical skills and experience that would set him up for success upon moving to Australia in 1987 to set up a Brisbane store, marking the start of a journey that would see his empire grow to 287 outlets today.
In a statement, the listed company he founded Michael Hill International (ASX: MHJ) described him as a philanthropist and committed father and husband who, with his wife Lady Christine, founded and grew the business from humble origins to a global retail jewellery brand that spans Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
"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," says Michael Hill chairman Rob Fyfe.
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The group noted that Hill's first love was music and as a young man he dreamed of becoming a concert violinist. However, at the age of 17 he was told he had started too late to reach the pinnacle of his craft. This is ultimately what led him to work for his uncle's family-owned business and master the craft of jewellery.
Harking back to this early passion, he also founded the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, one of the most respected violin contests in the world. The entrepreneur also created The Hills, one of New Zealand’s most iconic golf courses, and inspired generations through his books.
"In the spring of 1964, Sir Michael met his wife Lady Christine, connecting over their shared appreciation for creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling - foundational values that define the Michael Hill brand to this day," the statement read.
"Sir Michael and Lady Christine married in 1965 forging a love affair and business partnership that lasted more than 60 years. A private memorial to celebrate the life of Sir Michael will be held in Arrowtown."
In 2018 the founder resigned as chairman of the company, and thereafter served on the board as a director. Following his passing, Andrea Slingsby has been appointed as an alternative director.
The news marks the second passing of a key figure within the company this year, after then-CEO Daniel Bracken died in February at the age of 57 following an “adverse reaction to medical treatment for an underlying medical condition”.
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