John Browett leaves Apple after just six months

Former Dixons boss departs as vendor's head of retail post following brief tenure

Former Dixons chief John Browett is leaving Apple just six months after being appointed as the vendor's new retail head, with iOS boss Scott Forstall also departing Mac maker.

Forstall, who has been with the company for 15 years and held a vice president post, will remain in place as an adviser to chief executive Tim Cook until next year. Craig Federighi will assume leadership of iOS operations, while tech-focused execs Jony Ive, Bob Mansfield and Eddy Cue will also take on new responsibilities.

It was announced in January this year that Browett (pictured) was to leave his post as chief executive of Dixons Retail in April to take global responsibility for Apple stores as head of retail. The vendor issued a nondescript statement today announcing his departure, adding that the "search for a new head of retail is under way".

"In the interim, the retail team will report directly to Tim Cook," said the statement. "Apple's retail organisation has an incredibly strong network of leaders at the store and regional level who will continue the excellent work that has been done over the past decade to revolutionise retailing with unique, innovative services for customers."