Michael Hill chief executive Mike Parsell is stepping down.
Parsell said he believed now was a good time for a change in leadership.
"In my 16 years as CEO I have taken the Group’s annual revenues from $160m to $540m today.
"The business has been successfully expanded into international markets and has ample growth opportunities on the horizon with the continued roll out of Michael Hill stores in North America and the growth of our new brand Emma and Roe.
"I feel now is a good time for a change in leadership as the business is performing well and has a
stable and experienced leadership team."
Michael Hill chair Emma Hill praised his tenure.
"Mike’s contribution cannot be over-stated.
"When he joined the company in our first store in Whangarei, none of us could have imagined what we would collectively achieve over the next 34 years.
"When Mike joined we had just three stores in New Zealand and we now have more than 300 stores across Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, and are now rolling out the Emma & Roe brand.
"These are achievements of which Mike can be truly proud.
Hill confirmed the company's CFO Phil Taylor has been appointed as acting chief executive.
An international search for a new head honcho will be conducted by Egon Zehnder.
In its trading update to 30 June, the Group reported revenue growth of 8.9% over the previous corresponding period.
It provided guidance to the market that it expected earnings before interest and tax to be in the range of $46m to $48m.