Apple SVP Angela Ahrendts becomes ‘Dame of the British Empire’ today, leaves Burberry as early as this month

Angela Ahrendts, soon to be ex-CEO of Burberry, is to become a dame today according to the Daily Mail. The retail magnate will become a Dame of the British Empire in a ‘low key’ ceremony according to the British paper, for her contributions to business.

The Queen will not be in attendance, apparently. The government’s business secretary Vince Cable will instead lead proceedings. According to the Daily Mail, Cable will congratulate Ahrendts for her restoration of the Burberry brand. The Mail also believes that Ahrendts will join Apple this month.

Mr Cable will pay tribute to the mother of three, from Indiana, describing her as a ‘landmark figure in business’ and a ‘powerful role model to the next generation of young British talent.’

He will say:  ‘She has revitalised this iconic British brand with flair and cutting edge innovation, allied with sound commercial acumen.’

According to Apple’s original release, Ahrendts is due to leave Burberry and join Apple this “spring” as SVP of Retail. The Daily Mail report says that she will leave this month, but its unclear whether this is simply an error or general speculation.

She quit in October last October to head up Apple’s retail operations this month and was replaced by top Burberry designer Christopher Bailey.

Currently, she remains listed on Burberry’s executive page as CEO and does not appear on Apple’s leadership page.  However, the “spring” timeframe means she must be joining Apple in the near future.