New Michael Hill CEO

MICHAEL Hill International has named Andrea Slingsby as its new chief operating officer.

Ms Slingsby, a consultant, has been working with the jeweller since August as interim chief people officer.

In November, that newlycreated role was given to Joanne Matthews, who joins the firm next week.

Chief executive Daniel Bracken, who himself joined the firm only in November, said Ms Slingsby brought more than 25 years’ experience in Australian and international highgrowth sectors.

Her most recent roles were running Lighthouse8, an artificial intelligence and marketing technology business, and Atira Student Living.

Michael Hill stock was recently unchanged at 65c — down 52% in the past year.

Brisbanebased Michael Hill makes and sells jewellery in New Zealand, Canada and Australia.

Early last year it shut its 10yearold US chain after failing to find a buyer. It also quit its Emma & Roe business.

Mr Bracken replaced Phil Taylor, who in September gave six months’ notice of his intention to retire, after more than 30 years with the firm, due to illhealth.

The following month the company told shareholders it needed to transform itself from a traditional retailer if it was to remain globally relevant.

That would require a greater focus on online sales, greater use of data and analytics, and more focus on proprietary, branded products. — BusinessDesk