The entrepreneur, golfer and philanthropist owns 250 stores spread across New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States. At the recent unveiling of Michael Hill’s “Ultimate Engagement Ring”, Hill revealed ambitions for more than 500 stores in the United States alone.
The 72-year-old was a late bloomer in the business world. After working in his uncle’s jewellery shop, Hill opened his first jewellery store in Whangerei, New Zealand, in 1979 at the age of 40.
Hill was previously made Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009, was awarded New Zealand Herald Business Leader of the Year in 2008 and was made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002.
Michael Hill launched in Australia in 1987 but now has more stores in this country than in New Zealand. The jeweller’s head office is in Brisbane. Australia and New Zealand remain key markets for the jeweller, having outperformed Canada and the United States in the past.
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