Michael Hill CEO Daniel Bracken dies after medical treatment for underlying illness

Jewellery company Michael Hill has announced the sudden death of Brisbane-based CEO Daniel Bracken, who died overnight following an adverse reaction to medical treatment.

Michael Hill has expressed its condolences following the death of CEO Daniel Bracken. Picture: Richard Walker

Michael Hill International chief executive Daniel Bracken who died overnight aged just 57 has been credited as “true merchant” who helped build the company into a $700m success story.

The sudden death of Brisbane-based Mr Bracken has shocked the retail community with the executive having a long and successful career at a number of key Australian retailers as well as overseas. The London-born businessman was previously the chief merchandise and customer officer at department store owner Myer as well as serving a stint at Burberry.

Michael Hill International said Mr Bracken had an underlying medical condition and “the board, executive and all of the Michael Hill team expressed their deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”

Mr Bracken last Friday announced the company’s first half results where he noted challenging economic conditions were impacting discretionary spending.

“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,” the company said.

“He was a passionate retailer, an innovative and strategic thinker and an inspiring leader, who transformed the Michael Hill Group into the company that it is today. He will be missed.”

The company said further details about interim leadership arrangements would be provided by the board in due course. Michael Hill International shares dropped 4 per cent.

Bernie Brookes, the former chief executive of Myer and Mr Bracken’s former boss, described him as a “true merchandiser” who had a stellar retail career. “He had a real skill in merchandising and branding,” said Mr Brookes. “He was taken far too soon.”

Paul Zahra, the former chief executive of David Jones and the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), described Mr Bracken as a “complete gentleman” who had quickly integrated his international experience into the brands he worked with.

Daniel Bracken at Michael Hill’s new head office in Cannon Hill in Brisbane in 2022. Picture: Richard Walker

“The retail community is in shock,” said Mr Zahra. “My sincere condolences goes to his family and friends at this difficult time.

“From luxury fashion to leading a global jewellery retailer, Daniel’s leadership shaped iconic brands, driving innovation, growth and a lasting industry influence.” Mr Bracken owned a riverside home at Norman Park with his partner

Mr Bracken had more than 25 years experience managing some of the world’s most iconic brands with an extensive background in retailing, fashion, and brand development in Australia and international markets, as a CEO and in senior executive positions across strategy, marketing, merchandise, product design and digital and customer engagement strategies.

His international experience included more than 15 years at fashion house Burberry London in the United Kingdom, where he was a key member of the leadership team involved in their turnaround into an iconic global brand. He performed a range of roles at Burberry including vice president – strategy, head of merchandising and production.

Mr Bracken served as CEO of the Apparel Group owned leading fashion brands Sportscraft, Saba, Willow, and JAG. He spent just over three years at Myer leading its fashion and customer offer and also served as deputy CEO.