Christopher Bailey has been hailed a ''great visionary'' by Angela Ahrendts.

The outgoing Burberry CEO said she felt ready to leave the fashion house to work for Apple because of the confidence she has in the designer, who has been appointed to the new role of chief creative and chief executive officer.

She said:''When we announced recently that Christopher Bailey would succeed me at Burberry in the newly created role of chief creative and chief executive officer, I felt such peace.

''Not only because I believe Christopher is one of the sector's greatest visionaries and Burberry's natural next leader, but also because my instincts told me he and the senior team were fully ready for me to pass the baton.''

Angela went on to speak of her pride in the technological advances she and Christopher have made at Burberry, both in store and at head office, including an internal communications system similar to twitter.

She added in her LinkedIn blog: ''For me, Burberry's true success is measured not by financial growth or brand momentum, but by something much more human: one of the most connected, creative and compassionate cultures in the world today, steeped in common values and beliefs, and united around a shared vision.

''Today, I can honestly say that Burberry is the company I had always dreamed of working for.''