Apple taps European exec as head of retail ops

CUPERTINO, Calif. -- Apple Inc. (AAPL) has named Dixons Retail CEO John Browett as its top retail executive, charged with developing the sales strategy for the iPhone and iPad maker as it expands Apple stores around the world.

Browett will take on his new job as senior vice president of retail in April. He will report directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook, who took over after Apple co-founder and longtime CEO Steve Jobs died in October.

"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.

Browett has served as CEO of Dixons Retail, a major European electronics retailer, since 2007. Dixons said that Browett will leave its board on Feb. 20 and will depart from the company on April 20. The company named Sebastian James as Group CEO and Katie Bickerstaffe to the newly created role of CEO-U.K. and Ireland.

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Browett has also held several positions at the British retailer Tesco PLC and headed its web site operations.

Apple's stock rose $2.89 to $455.90 in premarket trading Tuesday.

Apple is based in Cupertino, Calif.