The chair of Michael Hill International, Emma Hill, is to step down at the end of the financial year on June 28. 

Rob Fyfe, former CEO of Air New Zealand, will succeed Hill, who will remain as non-executive director, along with her father Sir Michael. Hill has held the director position at Michael Hill since 2007. She was then appointed as the company’s chair in 2015. 

“Rob is an outstanding strategic and transformative leader with a track record of maximising shareholder value,” said Hill. “The time is right for this transition. The company has never been in a healthier position.”

Fyfe was also CEO and subsequently chairman of Icebreaker and has sat on the Michael Hill board for more than seven years. He 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.  

Meanwhile, CEO of Micheal Hill, Daniel Bracken, will join the board as MD.