Halfords appoints Graham Stapleton to chief executive role

Halfords has appointed the former head of Dixons Carphone’s software arm as its new chief executive, replacing Jill McDonald who leaves at the end of September.

Stapleton will take on the position from January, bringing with him experience with Marks & Spencer, Kingfisher and Carphone Warehouse. In the interim the retail giant’s CFO Jonny Mason is in temporary charge.

Halfords has seen mixed results in recent times, though the most recent trading update pointed to a steady growth in the cycling division, driven in part by the workshop and electric bike sales. The decline in the value of the pound has seen the retailer’s profits impacted, though the very same has seen the retailer benefit from more “staycation” activity among its customers, bolstering accessory sales.

Stapleton said of his appointment: “Halfords is a business with a 125 year heritage and a market leading brand that strongly resonates with me and the UK public and I am delighted to be joining the company. I really look forward to working with my new colleagues to continue to implement the service-led strategy and, over time, identify further growth potential.”