Apple Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.) ceo Tim Cook announced that Angela Ahrendts, ex-ceo of Burberry, will join Apple next week in the newly created role of senior vice president of retail and online stores.
According to TechCrunch, Ahrendts is the first retail head since Apple dropped former Dixons ceo John Browett in 2012. Her experience in fashion could signal a move from Apple to appeal more to that market, although Apple’s retail is more comparable to high fashion brands in terms of revenue generated per square foot of retail space, than to other consumer electronic retailer brands.
Ahrendts recently became Dame of the British Empire, and there was speculation that she would remain at Burberry through the middle of the year so she could secure a mid-year bonus.