Prominent Australian behind jewellery chain dies aged 86

Sir Michael Hill, the founder of one of the most prominent jewellery brands in Australia, has died at the age of 86.

The Michael Hill company’s board and executives announced the jeweller’s death on Tuesday.

“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 read.

Hill and his wife founded the jewellery brand in 1979, opening his first store in New Zealand. Since then, Michael Hill has grown into a cross-country enterprise, with 287 stores spanning New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The first Australian stores opened in 1980.

Chairman of the company Rob Fyfe said Hill built a legacy that will continue to inspire.

“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,” he said.

Australian model Miranda Kerr, who became Michael Hill’s first brand ambassador in April last year, called him a “true visionary whose passion and creativity helped shape a brand that has brought joy to so many around the world”.

“I feel incredibly honoured to be part of the brand he built with integrity, passion and heart,” she said. “My love and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and the entire Michael Hill team.”