Apple's former retail chief: 'I didn't fit in at Apple'

Apple's former retail chief -- a Brit who previously ran Dixons -- lasted just six months at the Cupertino company, and has now explained his swift departure by saying he didn't fit in, The Independent reports.

Speaking at the Retail Week Live conference, John Browett said, "The issue was that I just didn't fit within the way they ran the business. For me, it was one of those shopping things where you're ejected for fit rather than complacency." Nevertheless, he was full of praise for his former employer.

"Apple is a truly fantastic business," Browett said. "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."

He went on to describe his experience at Apple as "probably the best thing that ever happened to me." He also said he learnt humility and became a "much kinder person." Must be something in the water over in Cupertino.

Browett lasted just six months in his role. He was hired to replace Ron Johnson, who took over retail giant JC Penney. Browett's tenure was plagued with reports of budget cuts and sackings. He left in the same reshuffle that saw former iOS software chief Scott Forstall given the boot.

But Browett isn't out on the street, cap in hand. He's now the chief executive of ladies fashion/jewellery vendor Monsoon Accessorize, which has a retail empire twice the size of Apple's. Yeah, but it doesn't sell iPads does it?

Apple's stock has fallen 37 per cent since its record high a few months ago. CEO Tim Cook recently reassured shareholders, and hinted the company has some pretty exciting new doohickies up its sleeve. A watch, telly, or budget blower, perhaps?

What do you think of Apple's shops? How do arch rival Samsung's stack up? And should there be more Brits high up in Apple's corporate hierarchy? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.