Vale, Daniel Bracken.
The CEO and managing director of Michael Hill has passed away this week, aged 57.
Since his passing, the retail and fashion industry has shared their tributes.
Michael Hill International: “The board, executive and all of the Michael Hill team express their deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friends. 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 7 years. He will be dearly missed.
“Daniel 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.”
Australian Fashion Week CEO and former editor-in-chief of Harper’s BAZAAR, Kellie Hush: "I have some great memories of Daniel Bracken and working with him when he was CEO at MYER. He was one of those leaders who was engaged in the industry, he loved the small talk and the big conversations.
“He loved retail and the Australian fashion industry. He was one of those bosses who loved walking the retail floor talking about lighting, ranging and the customer. I spoke to him recently about my work in sustainability and the work he was doing at Michael Hill. He was an industry leader who will be missed."
Morrison and WeWearAustralian co-founder, Richard Poulson: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about Daniel’s passing. He was instrumental in supporting Morrison’s entry and growth at Myer, and his leadership had a lasting impact on the industry. Daniel was a great leader, always championing innovation and collaboration. His contributions over the years have been invaluable, and he will be greatly missed.”
Fashion entrepreneur Lisa Barron OAM: “A huge loss for the broader fashion industry, a man with the golden touch. My thoughts are with his family.”
Coco Republic global GM and former Rebel Sport GM, Tom Leak: “So sad to hear of the tragic news of Daniel’s sudden passing. He was an incredibly generous, balanced and influential industry leader and an all round top bloke.
“A massive loss and very sad day indeed for Australian Retail. Deepest condolences extend to Daniel’s family and all at Michael Hill on this very sad day. RIP Daniel.”
Deals Direct founder and investor, Paul Greenberg: “We have lost a great retail leader, with Daniel’s untimely passing. Daniel was a friend and mentor to many, and was a willing contributor to the retail ecosystem. He will be sorely missed.”
Kariba Retail Group chairman, Bernie Brookes: “Daniel Joined Myer as Chief Merchant. He had a stellar career at Burberry and The Apparel Group. He was a true merchant with a great skill in product, marketing and branding. His contribution more recently to Michael Hill was also very significant. My heart goes out to his family and friends. A very sad day for a skilled retailer taken far too early.”
The Volte co-founder and CEO, Bernadette Olivier: “On behalf of The Volte, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Daniel's loved ones. Personally, I was inspired by Daniel's transformational and visionary leadership in Australian retail with a career spanning some of our most iconic brands. His strategic vision, bold innovation and dedication to brand excellence will be missed but his legacy will continue to inspire.”
Brand Collective CEO, David Thomas: “Daniel, you have been a stalwart of our industry. Your smile and laugh will not be forgotten by all those who shared it. Your ability to connect with others made you very special. May you rest in peace.”
Alquemie Group CEO, Scott Evans: “I have to say I am very shocked and saddened to learn about the passing of Daniel. It is a very sad day for retail as Daniel was a strong leader and he and the team at Michael Hill have transformed the brand over the past 7 years. My thoughts go out to his friends and most of all his family at this very hard time. God bless Daniel. You will be missed my friend.”
Mosaic Brands CEO, Erica Berchtold: “Over the past months in particular it was not unusual for me to receive a random text of support from Daniel… or for me to call him to ask his advice or just for a chat. He was generous with his time, his knowledge and his support. I am saddened by his loss and offer my deepest condolences to his family, his team and to all that knew him.
“His last message to me, just a couple of weeks ago said: ‘Be proud of what you achieved, not what you didn’t’
“Fancy him, remembering to take the time to reach out like that. What a great guy. Vale Daniel Bracken. He will be missed.”
Sass & Bide, Marcs and David Lawrence MD Paula Mackenzie: "It’s so hard to believe that he isn’t with us anymore. He was such a big personality and made a huge impact. My memories are of him being his gregarious fun and generous self in the office at events and when ever we caught up. That with his passion for retail and talent in leadership, he was a force and will be very missed."
Hype DC and Subtype ANZ GM and former Brand Collective division footwear GM, Arnna Johnstone: "Our industry has lost a true innovator of the retail industry. His leadership and legacy speaks for itself through all power house brands he has elevated over the years. Sending my deepest condolences."
Do you have a story to share about the late Daniel Bracken? Email us at ChristopherKelly@yaffa.com.au.