Hill & Co: Our Growth Story for 2024
What sets us apart at Hill & Co. is our deep understanding of the whole industry. From mining to retail, we have a consultant for every challenge, and that proposition is now even stronger in 2024. As we begin 2024, our industry is at a pivotal moment.
We’re still processing many of the disruptive forces of the last few years, from the rapid digital shifts of the Covid pandemic to geopolitical conflicts and the rollercoaster of lab-grown diamonds.
For many in the diamond industry in particular, 2023 was an incredibly tough year. Demand was soft and an oversupply of polished meant that prices fell for much of the year. We’ve already started the year with the EU, the UK and Canada following the US’s lead banning natural diamonds “mined, processed, or produced” in Russia.
The implications of this will become evident as the year progresses, but the context is clear. Businesses in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry need more support than ever to navigate these challenges and hit their growth objectives.
However, growth is not a business strategy, it’s an outcome. It’s the result we deliver for clients once we’ve analyzed their business and understood how and why they want to grow. Growth must be underpinned by substance or it will never be sustainable.
That’s why this year, Hill & Co.’s objective for our business and yours isn’t just growth but strategic transformation.
Our team is growing
We’re delighted to start with exciting news about how our team of Principal Consultants is growing, with two new hires to kick off 2024.
What sets us apart at Hill & Co. is our deep understanding of the whole industry. From mining to retail, we have a consultant for every possible challenge our clients can face, and with our new hires, that statement resonates even more!
Our purpose in growing our team is to reach more of our industry and deliver the best possible service for our clients. A service that’s unrivalled by any other management consultancy operating in the diamond, gemstone and jewelry world.
The evolution and growth of our team is about more than just hiring new talent, it’s about creating a catalyst for the success of both Hill & Co. and all our clients’ businesses in 2024 and beyond.
Hill & Co.’s Founder and CEO, Elle Hill, says she’s excited by being able to announce these new roles:
"I am consistently humbled by the caliber of talent that we have had the luxury of collaborating with as we support Hill & Co. clients. I am thrilled they have found a unique home in Hill & Co. One where they can leverage all their experience and expertise and shine as we help this industry - that we each love - to harness modern business growth tools and fresh strategies to grow more swiftly.
The evolution and growth of our team is more than just hiring new talent, it’s about attracting them with our work ethic and outcomes. It's about creating a catalyst for the success of our clients’ businesses alongside Hill & Co.'s, as well as our industry's evolution in 2024 and beyond.”
Donatella Zappieri expands our team in Europe
Donatella joins us as a Principal Consultant in Italy. She brings over 30 years of experience working right across the industry for some of the world’s biggest jewelry brands, including 15 years piloting growth for the design team at Swarovski’s international jewelry and watch business.
Her knowledge of the European market and track record of enabling growth for companies across the supply chain makes her a fantastic new addition to the Hill & Co. team. Not only is Donatella a design and product expert but she complements that with a unique international commercial knowledge which means she brings a 360-degree perspective to our clients’ businesses across the world.
Donatella says:
“It’s very exciting to be joining Hill & Co. and being part of a big international group of talented professionals. I am based in Italy, so I will be able to bring something new to Hill & Co.’s clients who need access to a network in one of the world’s most important markets. I’m looking forward to being part of the Hill & Co. team and exchanging ideas and supporting each other to give the best advice and guidance to our clients.”
Nan Lung Palmer strengthens our merchandising expertise
Nan has been working with the Hill & Co. team since 2022 but we’re delighted that she’s now joining us as a Principal Consultant to continue that great partnership. She brings an incredible pedigree in merchandising, working with some of the biggest brands in the US, including Macy’s and David Yurman. That experience means she’s an expert at diving into client data and maximising their business’ potential through creativity and merchandising strategies.
We love that our Principal Consultants embody the entrepreneurial spirit. We think it gives so much more value to clients when they show they’ve walked the walk, and Nan is such a great example of that, having established two successful businesses of her own.
Nan says:
“I'm thrilled to be joining the team at Hill & Co. as a Principal Consultant and Merchandising Expert. Transparency, honesty, and an entrepreneurial spirit underscore my approach. I specialize in delivering customized merchandising solutions tailored for manufacturers, retailers, and jewelry brands. Those are the values on which I’ve built my businesses, and that’s what I’m excited to bring to Hill & Co.’s clients.”
We understand our Principal Consultants and their industry heritage are our greatest asset. Our clients know that when they turn to Hill & Co. they don’t just get a growth strategist or a product expert, they get decades of experience in every facet of the diamond, gemstone and jewelry industry across the world. Our growing team demonstrates that more than ever.
We’ll be really excited to share more of our growth plans for 2024 over the coming months.
We’d also love to hear more about your growth plans for 2024, and perhaps we might go on that journey together.
Reach out to us at inquiry@hillandco.co.