Apple names Dixons' John Browett as top executive of retail operations

Apple said Tuesday that Dixons Retail PLC's John Browett will become its top retail executive on April 20. He will report directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Browett fills a job left open when Ron Johnson left to become the CEO of J.C. Penney Co. in November. Johnson pioneered Apple's highly successful retail stores, known for their stark design and their “Genius Bar” where Apple customers get technology advice and support.

Browett has served as CEO of Dixons since 2007. During his tenure, the company has continued an aggressive expansion in Europe. It has about 1,200 stores and is Europe's second-largest electronics retailer, after Germany's Media Markt. Dixons' brands include Currys, PC World, Elgiganten, Electro World, PC City and Pixmania.

Analysts give Browett credit for improving customer service at Dixons, but his tenure hasn't seen much in the way of financial success, as it's been undercut by the recession and subsequent belt-tightening in Europe.

Dixons' sales have risen only 8 percent in the last five years, and profits are down sharply. The shares have lost more than 90 percent of their value in that time. They fell a further 7.6 percent in London trading Tuesday after news of Browett's departure.

“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 Tuesday.

Before Dixons, Browett held several positions at the British retailer Tesco PLC and headed its web site operations.

Dixons named Sebastian James as Group CEO and Katie Bickerstaffe to the newly created role of CEO-UK and Ireland.

Cupertino, California-based Apple's stock rose US$4.34 to US$457.35 in morning trading.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

PrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email