Episode Details

How does an iconic Kiwi brand recover from store closures, falling earnings, and the deaths of its founder and CEO? Jonathan Waecker, new CEO of Michael Hill, talks about stepping in to honour the jeweller’s legacy while creating urgent change. 

Jonathan talks through the high-stakes call to drop newer sub-brands, moving to a fully private-label model, and cornering the “mass premium” market. Learn how Canada has become the company's primary growth engine, with 85% of sales now outside NZ, and whether customers still want affordable luxury during an economic downturn.

How is a jeweller impacted by the rising prices of gold and silver? What’s the role of the velvet-rope retail store in an era where you can Doordash a diamond ring? What’s got institutional investors like the ACC doubling their stake? 

Plus, the story of how Michael Hill was born out of a house fire in 1977.

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