Dixons’ boss to run Apple shops

A retail boss credited with helping PC World and Currys stores survive the downturn has been poached by technology giant Apple to run its portfolio of retail shops.

The surprise appointment of John Browett as Apple’s senior vice-president of retail caused shares in Dixons Retail Group — the owner of PC World and Currys — to fall by 5% amid disappointment at his departure.

Mr Browett, a former management high-flyer at Tesco, joined Dixons at the end of 2007 and overhauled the business following a period of under-performance.