Michael Hill International has appointed Andrew Lowe as interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the passing of former CEO Daniel Bracken last week.
Lowe, previously Chief Financial and Supply Chain Officer, has assumed the role with immediate effect while the company undertakes a global search for a permanent replacement.
Leadership Transition
Lowe joined Michael Hill’s executive team in 2017 as Chief Financial Officer and later took on the role of Company Secretary. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial and Supply Chain Officer.
Board chair Rob Fyfe said Lowe would provide stability during the transition, drawing on his financial and operational experience. “Following [Bracken’s] passing, the board is confident in [Lowe’s] ability to steer the Michael Hill Group through this period of transition, drawing on his extensive strategic, financial and operational experience as well as his enthusiasm and passion for the Michael Hill business and our people,” stated Fyfe. “[Lowe] is well-supported by a very experienced and highly effective executive leadership team, who are well-equipped to deliver on our strategic priorities and execute the group’s business plan.”
Support Structure and Next Steps
To ensure stability during this transition, Michael Hill has also appointed board director Claudia Batten as deputy chair. She will work alongside Fyfe and audit and risk management committee chair Gary Smith to provide additional leadership support for Lowe.
In its search for a permanent CEO, the company will consider both internal and external candidates.
