Michael Hill appoints Andrew Lowe as acting CEO following Daniel Bracken’s death

Jewellery retailer Michael Hill has appointed an acting chief executive following the sudden death of Daniel Bracken last week.

The 57-year-old Mr Bracken died as a result of an adverse reaction to medical treatment for an underlying condition.

The company on Thursday announced current chief financial and supply chain officer Andrew Lowe had been appointed as interim chief executive, effective immediately.

He joined Michael Hill’s executive team in 2017 as chief financial officer, shortly after assuming the role of company secretary. Most recently, he was promoted to chief financial and supply chain officer.

Chair Rob Fyfe said following the death of Mr Bracken, the board was confident in Mr Lowe’s ability to steer the group through a period of transition.

“Andrew is well supported by a very experienced and highly effective executive leadership team, who are well equipped to deliver on our strategic priorities and execute the group’s business plan,” he said.

Alongside Mr Lowe’s appointment, current director Claudia Batten has been promoted as deputy chair.

Mr Bracken joined Michael Hill in late 2018 after more than three years as chief merchandise and customer officer and deputy CEO at Myer and three years as chief executive of Apparel Group, which owns the Sportscraft, Saba and Jag labels.

Before that, he spent 13 years at luxury British fashion label Burberry.