Stapleton's MD Murai now in charge at Kwik Fit

Kwik Fit Group has announced the arrival of Stapleton's boss Kenji Murai. Itochu, which owns Stapleton's, completed its acquisition of the fast fit giant this week. Itochu also announced the departure of chief executive officer Ian Fraser and group finance director Michael Healy. Itochu stated: “We would like to thank Ian and Michael for their work in establishing Kwik Fit as the clear market leader and creating a very strong position. The company has substantially developed under their leadership and we wish them well for the future.

“In Kenji Murai we have the ideal leader for Kwik Fit on the next stage of its journey. We are confident that Kwik Fit can go from strength to strength under his leadership.”

The departure of Fraser represents a reversal of the expectation that he would stay in charge of Kwik-Fit following confirmation of the purchase at the beginning of March, while some might speculate that Murai’s appointment is indicative of a strengthening of ties between Kwik Fit and the wholesaler.

Related news:

• Itochu officially completes Kwik Fit Group purchase
• EC approves Kwik-Fit acquisition; 10 new centres planned for this year
• Kwik-Fit confirms Itochu is new owner