Michael Hill International has announced that its founder, Sir Michael Hill, will temporarily step away from the board to undergo treatment for cancer. In his absence, the company has appointed Andrea Slingsby as alternate director. Slingsby, who was chief operating officer from 2019 to 2021, has experience in board governance and retail consulting.
The announcement comes during a period of strategic repositioning and operational challenges for the retailer, which operates across Australia, New Zealand and Canada with a network of 291 stores.
Leadership Adjustment
The company confirmed Slingsby’s appointment in a shareholder announcement on 14 April. She will act as alternate director on a consultancy basis, with the arrangement terminable by either party with seven days’ notice. Slingsby initially joined the business in 2018 as interim chief people officer before taking on the role of COO.
She is currently a director at Prime Financial Group and has consulting experience across multiple industries, including retail operations and brand development.
Michael Hill International’s general manager of treasury and investor relations, Anthea Noble, declined to disclose further details on Sir Michael’s condition, citing privacy concerns.
Financial and Operational Backdrop
Sir Michael Hill co-founded the business in 1979 in Whangārei, New Zealand, alongside his wife Christine. The company has since expanded to nearly 300 stores across three countries.
In the financial year ending 2024, Michael Hill recorded a net loss of AUD $479,000, compared with a profit of AUD $35.2 million the previous year. The company cited higher material costs and growing competition as contributing factors.
To address market conditions, the company has undertaken a repositioning strategy, which included opening a store in Melbourne and appointing Miranda Kerr as its international ambassador. The campaign aims to emphasise the brand’s history and production standards.
