Michael Hill has announced that Emma Hill will retire as the chair of the Board at the end of the current financial year.
She will remain involved in the business as a non-executive director, having been a director since February 2007 and appointed deputy chair in 2011 and chair in 2015.
Hill will be succeeded by Rob Fyfe, currently a director of Air Canada and a Michael Hill Board member for seven years.
Fyfe has previously served as CEO of Air New Zealand – where he was credited for driving its turnaround strategy – CEO and chair of Icebreaker and was recently appointed as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his leadership and services to business.
"It is an honour and privilege to take on the role as chair of Michael Hill International and to build on the heritage that Sir Michael and Emma as chairs and the entire Hill family have contributed over the last four decades," Fyfe said of his appointment.
"I have developed a deep understanding of the business during my seven years as director and have great confidence in the strategy that our CEO Daniel, and the management team he leads, are pursuing.
"I look forward to working with my fellow directors, Daniel and the wider Michael Hill team to ensure we continue to execute against this strategy and continue to develop and strengthen the Michael Hill brand in our chosen markets," he said.
CEO Daniel Bracken will also join the Board as MD effective June 28 2021.
Emma Hill added that both Fyfe and Bracken will be welcome additions to the Board.
"I am thrilled to be handing the chairmanship to Rob Fyfe.
"Rob is an outstanding strategic and transformative leader with a track record of maximising shareholder value.
"The time is right for this transition. The company has never been in a healthier position.
"Our CEO Daniel is delivering exceptional results across our transformation program.
"He has elevated customer experience and continues to strengthen our market position.
"I’m pleased Daniel will join the board as managing director.
"We are at an exciting juncture and this dual refresh will further enhance our capability. I look forward to continuing to serve as a director," she said.
Hill will retire as chair on June 28 2021.