Apple Hires Dixons Boss As Head Of Retail

Well, blow me down with a broken hairdryer. Apple has hired UK-based Dixons retail chain CEO, John Browett, to become its Senior Vice President of Retail.

Forty-six-year-old Browett will be in charge of Apple's retail policy worldwide. It has a total of 361 stores, which brought in $6.1bn in the last quarter.

Before joining Dixons, Browett worked for supermarket chain Tesco and headed its on-line division.

He fills the post at Cupertino left vacant by the departure of Ron Johnson more than six months ago.

“Our retail stores are all about customer service, and John shares that commitment like no one else we’ve met,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in a statement.

The Dixons Retail Group also includes PC World and Currys stores as well as the Pixmania electrical sales website and the Advent computer brand.

It must be said the troubled Dixons chain of electrical good stores doesn't have the best of images in the UK. The phrases 'rundown stores' and 'unhelpful staff' come to mind.  To be sure, it's not the image Apple would want to tarnish its bright, shiny, friendly, helpful chain of stores.

Hit Continue Reading for the Apple press release:


CUPERTINO, California-January 30, 2012-Apple® today announced that John Browett will join the company as senior vice president of Retail, reporting to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Browett comes to Apple from European technology retailer Dixons Retail, where he has been CEO since 2007. Beginning in April, he will be responsible for Apple's retail strategy and the continued expansion of Apple retail stores around the world.

"Our retail stores are all about customer service, and John shares that commitment like no one else we've met," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "We are thrilled to have him join our team and bring his incredible retail experience to Apple."

Prior to joining Dixons Retail, Browett held a series of executive positions at Tesco plc including CEO of Tesco.com. Earlier in his career he advised retail and consumer goods clients at Boston Consulting Group. He holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and an MBA from Wharton Business School.