Shock as Michael Hill CEO dies suddenly

The CEO of global jewellery company Michael Hill International Limited has passed away suddenly at the age of 57.

The company announced in an emotional statement that Daniel Bracken had died earlier this week after suffering an adverse reaction to medical treatment for an underlying condition.

"The board, executive and all of the Michael Hill team express their deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friends," the company said in a release.

"On behalf of the board, we thank Daniel for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the Michael Hill Group and our people over the past seven years. He will be dearly missed."

The release said Bracken, who had been CEO of the company since 2018, was a "passionate retailer" and an "innovative and strategic thinker", and credited him with transforming the Michael Hill Group as an "inspiring leader".

Michael Hill was founded by Sir Michael Hill in 1979 when he opened his first jewellery store in Whangarei, New Zealand.

The group currently has 300 stores globally across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Image credits: Nine