Shane Hills
Eildon Ambassador
Shane is a Melbourne based customer experience enthusiast. In his work and leisure life, Shane loves to feel inspired. Says Shane “What we find most inspiring at Koko Black are things that have clearly required a dedication to excellence; whatever the field. This is at the heart of our aims for chocolate and confectionery”.
Koko Black commenced business in December 2003 in Melbourne’s historic Royal Arcade and since this time has earned a reputation for bringing to life the magic quality of chocolate, across its elegant chocolate salons and handcrafted product range.
Shane was given a start-up grant from the City of Melbourne to launch Koko Black. The company started with the idea to create a world-class chocolate experience, not just a product sitting on the shelf. Says Shane “I think everyone wants to feel more inspired, excited, enthused, stirred. This is what we aim to bring to our customers through the many qualities and personality of chocolate – to create something for them beyond the everyday.”
Today, in its short history, Koko Black employs over 250 people, with seven Melbourne-based salons and two interstate salons in Canberra and Claremont, Perth.
One of the ongoing projects Shane is most excited about is the Easter Drawing Prize, an annual art competition hosted by Koko Black. “Anyone can win the Easter Drawing Prize; that is the beauty of it. There is no restriction to enter such as age or professional experience,” says Shane. “It’s all about uncovering, celebrating and nurturing artistry in local communities around Australia.”
Shane also owns ‘Suga’, a Melbourne institution.
Shane is married to Mirka and together they have two girls Sienna 5 and Aurelia 2. Chocolates named in their honour include the Sienna Strawberry Hearts and the Aurelia Champagne Truffle.