Apple Names VP of Stores

Apple Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.) hired John Browett, ceo of U.K.-based Dixons consumer-electronics retailer, to run its stores. The new senior vice president will assume the post in April, reports Bloomberg.

The announcement follows a seven-month executive search following the departure of Ron Johnson for JCPenney. It also marks the first outside senior- executive appointment by ceo Tim Cook.

Browett has served as ceo of Dixons Retail Plc since 2007. At Apple, he will be responsible for leading the electronics company’s 361-store business and its expansion outside the U.S.

In a separate announcement, Dixons named Sebastian James, who has been with the company since 2008, to replace Browett as ceo. James most recently served as group operations director.