New Zealand businessman Rob Fyfe has confirmed plans to retire from his chair position on the Michael Hill board after the business reported a robust end to the FY26 financial year.
Fyfe has been on the Michael Hill board for the last 13 years, with the last five of those as chairman. He is planning to retire on November 28.
He has led a long-running career in business leadership, holding senior and board positions at the likes of Air Canada, Icebreaker, Star Alliance and Air New Zealand. According to his LinkedIn, he also chairs the board at New Zealand beverage manufacturer Recorp and the Next Generation Critical Communications.
Following the tragic passing of CEO Daniel Bracken and the company's founder, Sir Michael Hill, last year, Fyfe committed to remaining as chair to oversee the appointment of a new chief executive officer and support an orderly leadership transition. During that period, the board appointed Jonathan Waecker as CEO.
Succession plans are already in place, with fellow board member Claudia Batten set to take on the chair role when Fyfe retires. Batten has been with the jewellery group since March 2025. Batten has been running her own consultancy business since 2012, after launching two of her own businesses prior to that, with one in the advertising space and another in technology.
Fyfe applauded Waecker’s progress with the business over the last year, and called Batten an outstanding leader with extensive experience as an entrepreneur, director and chair.
“She brings intellectual rigour, strategic insight and fresh thinking to the board, complemented by strong governance expertise built on her early career as a practising lawyer,” Fyfe said.
“I have every confidence that Claudia and Jonathan will form an outstanding chair and CEO partnership to lead Michael Hill through its next chapter.”
Batten welcomed the opportunity to serve as chair of Michael Hill, and thanked Fyfe for his contributions to the group over the years.
“I look forward to working with my fellow directors, Jonathan and the executive team to support the continued success of the business."