Michael Hill has appointed Andrew Lowe as its interim CEO following the sudden passing of former chief Daniel Bracken last week.
Lowe will assume the new role immediately, the company said Thursday. The board will continue a global search for a replacement CEO.
Lowe joined the executive team in 2017 as chief financial officer, shortly after becoming company secretary. Most recently, he was chief financial and supply chain officer.
Meanwhile, the company has appointed board director Claudia Batten as deputy chair. She, along with board chair Rob Fyfe and Gary Smith, chair of the audit and risk management committee, will provide support for Lowe during this interim period.
“Following [Bracken’s] passing, the board is confident in [Lowe’s] ability to steer the Michael Hill Group through this period of transition, drawing on his extensive strategic, financial and operational experience as well as his enthusiasm and passion for the Michael Hill business and our people,” said Fyfe. “[Lowe] 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.”
Bracken, who joined the Australian-based jeweler in 2018, died last week after an adverse reaction to medical treatment due to an underlying condition.
Image: Andrew Lowe. (Andrew Lowe/LinkedIn)
