Apple announced this morning that former Dixons Retail CEO John Browett will join the company as senior vice president of Retail, reporting directly to Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Browett has been CEO of Dixons since 2007 and will join Apple in April, becoming immediately responsible for the company’s retal strategy and “continued expansion of Apple retail stores around the world.”

“Our retail stores are all about customer service, and John shares that commitment like no one else we’ve met,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We are thrilled to have him join our team and bring his incredible retail experience to Apple.”

Browett also held a series of executive positions at UK supermarket chain Tesco PLC, serving as CEO of Tesco.com, the company’s online shopping website.

Browett will take the position senior vice president of retail at Apple, which was formerly held by Ron Johnson. Johnson announced his impending departure from Apple in June this year. He has now officially vacated that spot to take on the role of CEO at the department store chain J. C. Penny.

Johnson, a Stanford graduate with an M.B.A. from Harvard, was lured away by Steve Jobs from his previous position as the vice president of merchandising for Target in January 2000 to head Apple’s yet-to-be-launched retail initiative.

He had been phenomenally successful in that role, having overseen the launch of over 300 retail stores for the company all over the world. The company served the one billionth visitor to its retail stores this past July.

Browett will be succeeded by Sebastian James, who will join the Dixons group board on February 20th, the same day Browett steps down from the board. Browett will depart Dixons on April 20th following a hand-over period.

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