Michael Hill, founder and chairman of global jewelry chain
Michael Hill International, accepted a knighthood in recognition for his
contribution to business and the arts.

He was honored as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand
Order of Merit and now receives the title Sir Michael Hill.

Hill has hosted an international violin competition for
emerging violinists for the past 10 years. In addition, he donates to Cure Kids
charity, helping fund medical research for incurable diseases.

“The experience has been very humbling. If any benefit comes
out of this to the charities I support and promote, then it has already been a
very worthwhile achievement,” Hill said in a statement.

The Michael Hill jewelry business entered the North American
market in 2002 in Vancouver, Canada. Hill entered the U.S. in 2008 with nine
stores in the Chicago area with plans to expand his business in North America.
His goal is to open more than 1,000 stores globally by 2022.

JCK