Apple taps Dixons Retail chief to run its stores | Bangkok Post: tech

Apple on Tuesday named the head of European electronics seller Dixons Retail to manage its worldwide network of more than 360 stores.

Pedestrians walk by an Apple Store in San Francisco, California. Apple on Tuesday named the head of European electronics seller Dixons Retail to manage its worldwide network of more than 360 stores.

Dixons Retail chief executive John Browett will become senior vice president of retail at Apple in April and will report to chief executive Tim Cook, who replaced the late Steve Jobs as Apple's CEO in August.

Apple said that Browett will be responsible for the retail strategy of the iPhone, iPod, iPad and Macintosh computer maker 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," Cook said in a statement.

"We are thrilled to have him join our team and bring his incredible retail experience to Apple," he said.

Browett replaces Ron Johnson, who left the Cupertino, California-based gadget manufacturer last year for US department store chain JC Penney.

Johnson, who joined Apple in 2000, is credited with helping successfully launch Apple's retail stores and their "Genius Bars," the technical help desk featured in every store.

Before joining Dixons Retail, Browett worked at British retailer Tesco and as an adviser to retail and consumer goods clients at the Boston Consulting Group.

He is a graduate of Cambridge University and holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Business School.