Apple has named John Browett, CEO of European electronics retailer Dixons, to run its iconic retail chain.

If Microsoft is going to make any gains in its efforts to compete with Apple on the store front, this is the guy to beat.

Apple has gone outside the company to hire the head of a European electronics retailer to run its iconic retail stores.

John Browett, CEO of Dixons Retail PLC, was named senior vice president of retail operations and expansion on Tuesday by the Cupertino company.

He takes the vacancy made when replaces Ron Johnson left Apple in November to run J.C. Penney Co.

Browett, 46, had been CEO of Dixons since 2007. He begins at Apple in April.

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

Browett comes to Apple’s 361-store business as it broadens its overseas footprint, particularly in China which is seen as a tremendous growth opportunity. Thirty of the 40 new locations planned for this year are outside of the United States.

Apple Stores employed 36,000 last year.

A report last week said that Apple Stores, which generate about $4,709 in annual sales per square foot, is worth roughly as much as the White House, which is valued at $4,752 per square foot.

A ranking last year by RetailSales put Apple Stores as the most valuable speciality retailer, with Tiffany at a distant No. 2 with $2,974 in sales per square foot.