Michael Hill International appoints new CEO

The Australia-based jeweller has appointed Phil Taylor as chief executive this week, after an extensive international search, set in motion by the departure of former CEO Mike Parsell in August.

Taylor has been with the Brisbane-headquartered company for thirty years, and was the group's chief financial officer for the last 13 years. Prior to this week's official CEO promotion, Taylor served as acting CEO after Parsell left in 2016.

Chairman Emma Hill said on Monday that the board had been impressed by “the fresh perspectives and decisive action” Taylor had shown since he began acting in the role.

The company added that Parsell and Taylor effectively managed the group’s substantial expansion into markets such as Canada, with annual revenue surging to AU$551 million (US$414 million) from $8 million (US$6 million) over the last thirty years.

For the half-year period ending December 31, 2016, the group achieved a total store sales increase of 5.7% and same store sales growth of 1.0%. Same-store sales improved 0.3% to $176.4 million in Australia.

Michael Hill International operates its namesake jewellery chain, as well as Emma & Roe. The group has 304 Michael Hill stores in New Zealand and Australia, Canada and the US, plus 24 Emma & Roe stores in New Zealand and Australia.

Michael Hill International appoints new CEO

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