RNS Number:4703N Halfords Group PLC 07 February 2008 Halfords Group plc Halfords announces that Ian McLeod, Chief Executive, has resigned from the company having accepted a leadership position with a large retailer based in Australia. The Board has agreed that Ian McLeod can take up his new position and step down from the Board on 29 February 2008. The Board will now select a successor from a range of internal and external candidates and a search consultancy has been appointed to assist with this process. In the interim period the two Board executive directors, Paul McClenaghan (Trading Director) and Nick Wharton (Finance Director) will report to the Chairman as Acting Joint Managing Directors. Richard Pym, Chairman, said: "Ian McLeod has been a fantastic Chief Executive in the three years that he has held the position and whilst we are disappointed he has resigned, we understand his decision to accept the opportunity that has been offered. The Halfords Board would like to thank Ian for his valuable contribution to the company's successful growth and development. "Halfords has a clear strategy and a strong management team and that continues in place. The trading update issued today shows the positive trading performance for the 43 week period ending 25 January and Ian leaves Halfords in a good position. We wish him well for the future." Ian McLeod, Chief Executive, said: "It has been a privilege to be part of the Halfords transition from private ownership to an independently listed company once again, and then continue to build our financial performance and market position year after year. "The decision to leave has therefore not been an easy one as I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone to deliver the improvements that have been achieved together. I am confident that Halfords' success will continue given the company's strength in its people and in each of its core categories." This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END