The mystery over when Angela Ahrendts would begin her tenure running Apple's retail business is finally over. A recent report by The Guardian which said Ms. Ahrendts would leave her post as CEO of Burberry in June turned out to be incorrect. She starts next week.
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced on the company's earnings call on Wednesday that Ms. Ahrendts is ready to take over the position left open since the company parted ways with John Browett in 2012. Mr. Cook, according to reports, has filled the role of running Apple's retail business the past year-and-a-half.
Most of the buzz has been positive about Ms. Ahrendts joining Apple including talk that she may be in line to take over as the company's CEO once Mr. Cook steps down.
In a discussion last October on RetailWire, Carol Spierckerman, president of newmarketbuilders, wrote, "Tech is fashion these days (largely thanks to Apple) and Ahrendts is a rare left-brain/right-brain talent who will bring fresh thinking to Apple's retail effort."
"Ms. Ahrendts' digital strategy with Burberry in reinventing the luxury brand online and through social channels as well as her experience in expanding the brand in China should prove to benefit Apple," added Karen Herman, founder and design director of Gustie Creative and a RetailWire BrainTrust panelist. "Her fashion experience should be a key asset as Apple moves to bring the iWatch to the marketplace."
Apple has been expected to launch innovative new products, such as a health-focused smartwatch, that would move the company into new product categories, but Tim Cook has been criticized for the slower pace of introductions. "To do things really well, it takes time," he recently told the Wall Street Journal.
- Former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts to Join Apple Next Week - MacRumors
- Apple's New Retail Leaders Angela Ahrendts Officially Steps Into Her Role Next Week - TechCrunch
- Doubt over leaving date for outgoing boss at Burberry - The Guardian
- Apple's New Retail Chief Knows Something About Style - RetailWire
- Tim Cook says Apple is 'closer than it's ever been' to new product category - The Verge