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Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts joins Apple as head of Retail Division

Angela AhrendtsApple has announced the hiring of Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts, who will be joining staff as a new executive. She will be taking on the role of senior vice president of strategy and operation of both online and retail stores. It is a new position that was created specifically for her.

British luxury fashion company Burberry wouldn’t be where it is today if it weren’t for Ahrendts. She is generally credited with taking the store from a local to a globally recognized brand.

The decision follows the hiring of Yves Saint Laurent exec Paul Deneve. It seems to further show Apple’s dedication to launching their wearable smartwatch, after Samsung and Sony beat them to the punch.

Both Deneve and Ahrendts are known for promoting a more sleek and modern image to older and outdated companies. While Apple does not fall under this header, they should be a good fit for a brand that works hard at keeping their image as trendy as possible.

“Burberry is in brilliant shape. I am confident that Christopher [Bailey, who is set to take over her position], as one of this generation’s greatest visionaries, will continue to lead Burberry to new heights,” Ahrendts said about the decision to move to Apple.

Apple CEO Tim Cook released a statement as well, saying he was ‘thrilled’ by the addition.

“She shares our values and our focus on innovation, and she places the same strong emphasis as we do on the customer experience,” the press release read. “She has shown herself to be an extraordinary leader throughout her career and has a proven track record.”

The move is expected to happen in the Spring of next year.

Source: WSJ

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