Apple Head of Retail, Angela Ahrendts, Named “Dame of the British Empire” Today

In line with previous reports, Apple’s future head of retail and former Burberry CEO, Angela Ahrendts, will become a dame today, reports the Daily Mail.

Ahrendts will be awarded one of Britain’s highest honours for her work with the fashion company, Burberry: she made the company a top global luxury brand with revenues of £2 billion last year.

The event will be held in the headquarters of the Department of Business, Innovations and Skills and Westminster, and the master of ceremonies will be business secretary Vince Cable.

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.’

As an American citizen, Ahrendts cannot call herself a dame, and she’s not entitled to receive honours from the Queen. After this ceremony she will be allowed to use the letters DBE – Dame of the British Empire – after her name.

Ahrendts will be joined by Melinda Gates, the wife of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and by the founder and charity campaigner of Kids Company, Camila Batmanghelidjh.