Elle Hill

Founder and CEO

Which country do you live in?
United Kingdom

How many years have you worked in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry?

29 years

Background and experience

I am grateful and proud to say I am in my 30th year of international, hands-on, commercial experience in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry business. This global industry is my family, my community, and I am committed to the betterment of all players up and down the supply-chain.

I have put my hard-earned expertise in business strategy, management, innovative marketing and proven launch and growth strategies as well as my considerable network to good use by building the Hill & Co. business management consulting dream-team: the most sought-after, results-yielding consulting team in diamond, gemstone & jewelry.

In my early career I helmed strategic turnarounds and spearheaded intense growth for some of the largest fine jewelry manufacturers and brands in our industry beginning with my early days in New York City & Hong Kong at Fabrikant, and Andin of Richline Group, and Dalumi Diamonds. Some of my accomplishments have been:

• Opening up the European market while growing cornerstone USA businesses, five of the top 10 retailers, as VP of mass market jewelry manufacturers (Fabrikant $500M, Andin $250M).

• Overhauling the business model of (double DTC sight holder) Dalumi Diamond’s multi-million-dollar jewelry company, making it profitable, in 2010.

• Launching my own international award-winning omnichannel fine designer jewelry retailer in 2011, which I brought public with a $10M IPO on the Australian Stock exchange in under four years.

After the successful IPO of my start-up, fine designer jewelry retailer in 2015, I trained a CEO and COO to run the company after my exit and moved from Hong Kong to the UK with my husband and our four children.

My phone began ringing as soon as news of my exit spread. I was fielding many enquiries from companies all over the world keen to tap my broad range of global diamond, gemstone & jewelry experience and ability to make business happen.

With my network increasing while launching and running companies in New York City, Hong Kong and London, I began to add talented experts in the USA, Asia, and Europe on my team. Together we have a valuable industry insider’s network which we regularly leverage to ensure the success of our clients' ventures.

Skills and specialisms

My claim to fame is “22 minutes”. Within 22 minutes (yes, we’ve all timed this!) of chatting with a business owner, a Gantt chart pops into my head. It is an implementation plan of the optimal strategy for that business. I see swiftly the bones of the plan that will bring that business to greater, more profitable growth.

I also am grateful for my ability to attract some of the most talented minds in our industry to join Hill & Co. My team teaches me something every week. And they give our clients access to a wealth of insight and experience from executives who’ve made all the mistakes, know how to avoid them, and can guide you on the fast track to growth.

Personal Information

My husband is award-winning novelist Justin Hill. He and I got engaged after 11 days together and married a few months after that, 22 years ago. I guess my swift decision making spills over into my personal life.

We’ve lived in New York City, London, Malawi, Cyprus, Hunan Province (China), and Hong Kong. Now, we live in Yorkshire with two of our 4 beautiful children (having shipped two off to university, yay!). We enjoy an hour long walk after dinner every day and something with bubbles in it every Friday night. I attribute our happiness to the frequent breaks I give him during my trips to tradeshows around the globe.

Industry membership

Hill & Co. is one of the VO+ Hot 100 Technology Companies, and a member of Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Jewelers of America and American Gemological Society. I am a member of the CIBJO Technology Committee, Loupe Retail Advisory Board, Gem Legacy Advisory Council, a contributor to National Jeweler, InStore magazine, Rapaport Diamonds.net, Cool Store judge, and a frequent speaker at JCK, AGTA Tucson, Conclave and international jewelry shows and events.

What do you appreciate most about leading the Hill & Co. team?

I am often heard saying ‘I stand on the shoulders of giants’. It is a true joy to have the opportunity to lead a team of dedicated professionals, each committed to continuous learning and supporting each other. We make no secret that our number-one stakeholder is our team members. If they have challenging, rewarding, growth strategies to create and execute with our clients, then our clients get the most over-delivering, self-motivated team I have ever had the pleasure of leading.

Not many people know this but…

During my time helming Dalumi and launching my own start-up in Hong Kong, I sang with an acoustic duo, El Pedro, at live music venue The Wanch in Wan Chai every Tuesday night. I am also a certified fitness trainer!