23 february 2011

Halfords Group Plc

Board changes 

Halfords Group plc, the UK's leading retailer of automotive and leisure products and leading operator in garage servicing and auto repair, announces the appointment of David Adams to the Halfords Board as a Non Executive Director. He will join on Tuesday 1 March 2011.

David was the Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director of the House of Fraser Plc until 2006. Prior to that, he was the Group Finance Director at Asprey Plc and before that the Finance Director at Texas Homecare and also at Top Shop and Dorothy Perkins. David is the Non-Executive Chairman of Jessops Plc and a Non Executive Director of the Alexon Group, JJB Sports, The British Retail Consortium and the charity, Walk The Walk. David Adams will chair the Board's Audit Committee.

Nigel Wilson, who was Chairman of the Audit Committee and Senior Independent Director, has decided to retire from the Halfords Board on 31 March 2011. Bill Ronald will assume the role of Senior Independent Director.

Dennis Millard, Halfords Chairman, commented:

"David brings extensive and very relevant financial and business experience and a deep knowledge of the retail sector. He will be a valuable member of our board and I am delighted to welcome him to Halfords.

I would like to thank Nigel Wilson for his outstanding contribution to Halfords over the last 7 years in his roles as acting Chairman, prior to my appointment, and as Audit Committee chairman. I would also like to thank him personally for his astute insight and support."

The company confirms there is no further information about David Adams that requires disclosure under paragraphs 9.6 (11) to (14) of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority.  

Enquiries:

Analysts:

Louise Richardson, Halfords, Investor Relations Officer                                           44 (0) 1527 513113

Media:

David Sawday, Halfords, Head of Communications                                                  44 (0) 1527 513471

Richard Farnsworth, Maitland                                                                                    44 (0) 207 379 5151

Notes to Editors:

www.halfords.co.uk

www.halfordscompany.co.uk

www.nationwideautocentres.co.uk

Halfords Group plc

The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Nationwide Autocentres also the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator.

Halfords employs approximately 11,000 staff and sells over 12,000 different product lines with significant ranges in car parts, cycles, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment.  Halfords own brands include the in-store Bikehut department, for cycles and cycling accessories, Apollo and Carrera cycles and exclusive UK distribution rights of the premium ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment, branded URBAN Escape. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.

Halfords retail customers shop at 464 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. 

Halfords Autocentres operates from 240 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at more affordable prices.