browett

Former Apple retail chief: 'I just didn't fit'

Apple's former retail chief apparently harbors few hard feelings about his previous employer, and says his brief stint at the company was "probably the best thing" that happened to him.

"Apple is a truly fantastic business. The people are great. They've got great products. It's got a great culture. And I loved working there -- it's a fantastic business," John Browett said during an on-stage interview at the Retail Week Live conference earlier this week.

"The issue there was that I just didn't fit within the way they ran the … Read more

Apple's former retail chief ends lands at U.K. chain

Apple's unceremoniously departed retail chief John Browett has a new gig.

The former executive, who Apple said no longer worked for the company as of last October, has landed at U.K.-based retail chain Monsoon Accessorize.

In his new role as the chief executive, Browett will oversee more than 1,000 stores, The Financial Times reports (subscription required). That's more than twice the size of Apple's retail empire, which is currently at 400 stores.

In a statement Monsoon Accessorize founder Peter Simon said the company went through "an extensive search" to find a new … Read more

The post-Jobs Apple is here, like it or not

For those looking for signs of change in a post-Steve Jobs Apple, yesterday was your day.

No, it wasn't a miss on earnings, or a product that was perceived to be disappointingly iterative instead of groundbreaking. Nor was it an ad campaign that just felt a bit off.

The changes came as part of one of the most drastic adjustments to Apple's top management since Jobs stepped down, and at a time when Apple finds itself on the defensive. The company has missed Wall Street's earnings expectations for two straight quarters and it is still smarting after … Read more

Apple's Scott Forstall ousted over Maps apology -- WSJ

The exit of Apple iOS software chief Scott Forstall was apparently anything but quiet. Forstall was forced out after he refused to sign a letter apologizing for problems with Apple Maps, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The New York Times confirmed the firing, along with the unrelated ouster of Apple's new retail chief, John Browett.

The Journal reported that some within Apple considered Forstall a divisive figure who "never fit into the culture at Apple," and who had long rankled other company execs but enjoyed the confidence of Steve Jobs. As WSJ reporter Jessica Lessin wrote: … Read more

Apple's shopping for a new shopkeeper, again

Apple is once again on the hunt for someone to run its still-growing retail empire.

The company today said John Browett, who it hired from U.K. electronics retail chain Dixons, is leaving the company after a six-month stint.

Apple now says it's in the midst of finding a replacement, and in the meantime, its "retail team will report directly to (CEO) Tim Cook."

Browett started near the end of April, and was given a compensation package worth north of $61 million. It took Apple more than seven months to hire him after the departure of Ron … Read more

Apple hypes largest Asia store yet, as it looks to conquer China

Apple touted a new retail store in Beijing today, as it looks to pump up its presence in China's huge market for smartphones and other tech products, where it's recently seen a decline.

At a media preview, Apple Senior Vice President John Browett talked up what will be the company's third store in China's capital city and -- at three stories and more than 300 employees -- its largest in Asia.

The store is located in one of Beijing's most famous shopping areas, Wangfujing street. Browett also confirmed that another Apple store is scheduled to … Read more

Apple union's 'Day of Solidarity' to protest working conditions

Apple stores selling the iPhone 5 today may see more than just customers outside their doors.

The Apple Workers Union wants store staffers to protest in front of Apple stores today to show solidarity for employees in France and at China's Foxconn plant. The union's "Day of Solidarity" is aimed at stores in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, France, Germany, China, and Japan -- the same countries offering the iPhone 5 starting today.

Calling on workers to "demand a better Apple," the union is backing Apple Store employees in France who … Read more

Apple retail chief offers a pep talk to his troops

Apple retail head John Browett offered reassurance to store employees Sunday night following recent concerns within the ranks about store cutbacks, including reduced work hours and layoffs.

"You will see a number of improvements which are coming through which are going to make it better for the customer, easier for you to do your jobs and that's what my job is all about," Browett said, according to an audio recording of his address during Apple's quarterly meeting for every Apple Store. The audio was obtained by 9to5 Mac.

Browett, who became Apple's senior vp of retail five months ago, … Read more

Apple Stores reportedly still face budget cuts, unhappy workers

The Apple Store has been touted as the model for retailers. But a new report says the chain's ongoing budget cuts are not going down well with employees.

Citing information from a variety of inside sources, blog site ifoAppleStore claims that the stores are changing "employee performance standards" to focus more on sales and profits over customer satisfaction.

Apple's retail vice president, John Browett, reportedly admitted that the company "messed up" when it implemented a new system that cut hours for some employees and left certain Apple stores understaffed. Trying to reassure concerned employees, … Read more

Apple takes PC crown from HP

Voters chat with Obama on Google+ Hangouts, Apple surpasses Hewlett-Packard in PC shipments (if you count iPads, that is), and almost everyone would take your call while on the toilet.

Links from Tuesday's episode of Loaded: