Apple Names New Retail VP

Apple Computer has named former Ralph Lauren executive Bridget Ryan Berman as vice president and chief operating officer of its retail unit, the company confirmed Wednesday.

Ms. Berman will report to Ron Johnson, Appleis senior vice president of retail. Berman had been at Polo Ralph Lauren since 1992, most recently as president and chief operating officer of Polo Retail Group overseeing 40 U.S. and 121 international stores.

Mr. Berman brings experience similiar to Appleis current retail concept. Ralph Lauren retail stores posted annual revenues of US$1.1 billion and a profit $73 million in 2003.

Ms. Berman reportedly will be based on the east coast and replaces Kathie Calcidise, who left Apple last year.