Bill Duffy to Lead Halfords Autocentres

Halfords has appointed Bill Duffy as CEO of Halfords Autocentres effective 12 September 2011. Duffy has been chief operating officer at Halfords Autocentres (previously Nationwide Autocentres) since February 2006. According to the company, he has huge experience of the automotive market and garage-servicing sector from his 30 years in the industry and is well qualified to lead the operation through the next phase of its growth.

In his new role as chief executive, Bill Duffy aims to continue to grow Halfords Autocentres’ market share by offering motorists dealership quality service at affordable prices.  He will also oversee the expansion of the chain to 400 Autocentres over the next 5 years.

Duncan Wilkes is to leave the business, following a handover to Duffy, having decided to look for new challenges after five and a half years as CEO. Wilkes led the management buyout of the Nationwide business with Phoenix in 2006, managed the growth which followed, the sale to Halfords and its rebranding as Halfords Autocentres which was completed in March.

David Wild, Halfords group chief executive commented: “Duncan has been a fantastic colleague. I’d like to thank him for his immense contribution to the growth and development of our Autocentres business through its transition from a private company to Halfords ownership. We wish him well with his next projects. I’d like to welcome Bill to his new role. He and I have already been working closely together in his capacity as COO. He knows the business inside out and has the ideal experience and leadership qualities to drive the next phase of the growth strategy.”

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