The chief executive of Dixons, John Browett, is leaving Dixons to move to to head up Apple’s worldwide retail chain of Apple stores.
John Browett has been chief executive of Dixons Retail since 2007 that own the Dixons, Currys and PC World store chains, has been appointed Apple’s senior vice president of retail, reporting directly to chief executive Tim Cook. Browett will be in charge of Apple’s successful retail strategy and the continued expansion of Apple’s 361 stores around the world. Of the company’s 40 new locations this year, 30 will be abroad.
“Our retail stores are all about customer service, and John shares that commitment like no one else we’ve met,” Tim Cook said. “We are thrilled to have him join our team and bring his incredible retail experience to Apple.”
Browett, a former chief executive of Tesco.com, said: “Dixons Retail is a great business, and with the support of a very strong management team we have made excellent progress in transforming the group into the leading customer focused specialist electrical retailer in its markets. The opportunity ahead of me is an exciting one and I leave knowing that the group has a bright future under strong leadership.”
Dixons shares have lost more than 30% of their value over the past year, opened 10% lower at 13.75p on the news. This wiped around £50m from the FTSE 250 company’s value, taking it to £500m.
Mr Browett will be replaced by Sebastian James, who has been with the company since 2008, most recently as group operations director. Katie Bickerstaffe has been appointed to the new role of chief executive for the UK & Ireland.
Dixons chairman John Allan said: “I would like to thank John for the very considerable contribution he has made to the group through the renewal and transformation plan over the last four years. The Group is now in a significantly stronger position and can look to the future with confidence. I wish him well for the exciting opportunity ahead.”
Dixons Retail said it continues to trade in line with a recent trading update, when it reported a 5% fall in like-for-like Christmas sales.