If they are looking to employ someone even less popular in the UK than John Browett was, then the guy from Starbucks would be a good choice
Yeah, but we were told, "Hey, Tim knows his stuff, he knows more than you".
Now, I am well aware Tim Cook knows infinitely more than me when it comes to the tech business.
However, as a UK consumer who's shopped in, and been burned by both Curry's and PC World, this was one topic which we were MORE than equipped to talk about.
It's a simple decision really: Dont hire some tit from a UK consumer electrics branch. Every single one of them has the personality of a used car salesman, and the business accumen of a trout.
If we're in dream-land then I'd suggest Apple could consider hiring someone experienced at running global front of house for a large, profitable, international luxury hotel chain.
There's the same mix of attention to costs, multiple venues to cover, dedication to quality of service, training, and bringing something intangible to the table.
- Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts
Burberry is known for being chavtastic in the UK. I've never been to one of their shops, but they have rather a lot of discount outlets. Their Regents Street store looks nice though. Seem to be doing well in China, which is what Apple want.
- Victor Luis, president, International Group, Coach
Don't know them, but seem another high-end fashion accessories chain - like Burberry - and obviously of similar interest to Apple.
- Jeanne Jackson, president, Direct to Consumer, Nike
EDITED my former (incorrect) comment. I'll ask others - do Nike stores have the customer service you expect from Apple?
- John Culver, president, Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific
Starbucks - no! Overpriced watery sugary coffee. It'll be Pepsi all over again. Note that again this is evidence Apple are interested in the China connection.
- Paul Gainer, executive vice president, Global Disney Store
Disney mainly sells through other stores, not through their own chain. Bought some Disney stuff for the kids, & it was poorly packaged inside the box. Not what I expected from an operation that had Steve Jobs on the board. But Paul seems to know the value of brand maintenance - more than our unfortunate Dixons guy.
He is over the CEO stuff now. When I'm working away for a while, and don't quite get the results, NOTHING is better than coming home.
I think Ron is the same. Especially with Scott the Diaper Boy gone.
Starbucks embodies the original Jobs' plan for the Apple store: A place to hang out, surf the web, and be comfortable.
What Apple stores have you visited? All our local stores are elbow to elbow, lucky if you don't get trampled to death, sardine cans. .
Surely they missed the top candidate....
Mr Selfridges
Which oh-so-by-accident makes you forget that you are paying for some pretty expensive stuff you actually might not need and definitely did not intend to buy before you entered the store.