Already known as Michael Hill, jeweller; Michael Hill, concert violinist; and Michael Hill, golfer; Mr Hill can now call himself: Michael Hill, master entrepreneur, after winning that category in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
He is one of five category winners who will compete for the overall title of Entrepreneur of the Year later this year.
The winner will be an-nounced on October 23.
Mr Hill could possibly also call himself Michael Hill, South Island entrepreneur, as he is the only South Islander left in the competition.
Mr Hill started his jewellery chain by introducing a simple U-shaped layout and accessible product range.
He reached seven shops in seven years and aimed to open 70 in the next seven.
At present, the chain has 212 stores 138 in Australia, 52 in New Zealand and 22 in Canada.
His aim is to reach 1000 by 2024.
Competing against Mr Hill for the overall title are:
• Product category: Brett Henderson, Holdfast NZ (Hamilton).
• Services: Mark Taylor, FrameCAD Solutions (Auckland).
• Technology: Miles Valentine, Zeacom (Auckland).
• Young entrepreneur: Anthony Gadsdon, Mix (Auckland).
