Ex-Pets boss Matt Davies joins Halfords as CEO
MATT Davies, the former Pets at Home boss, has stepped into the driving seat at Halfords, the listed car parts, repair and bike retailer.
Mr Davies, 41 from Bowdon, who began his career in corporate finance with NatWest Markets and then moved to NM Rothschild in Manchester, has been looking for a new opportunity since leaving Handforth-based Pets at Home in April this year.
During his eight years at the helm of the business it grew dramatically, from 140 stores to more than 300, and he led it through the £955m secondary buyout by KKR in 2011.
Commenting on he new role he said: “I am very excited to be joining Halfords, a group which has a real opportunity to optimise its offer, performance and value to customers and shareholders.
” Together with the rest of the Halfords team, I look forward to ensuring Halfords achieves its full potential in the years ahead.”
Midlands-based Halfords said following Matt’s appointment and a short induction period, Dennis Millard would revert to being non-executive chairman.
Mr Millard said: “The board is delighted to have recruited such a high-calibre leader as Matt. He has many years of retail experience, impeccable service credentials and the energy and ability to drive Halfords forward.
“His determination to put the customer first resonates well with the aims we have for Halfords. He joins us at an opportune time for the company and will drive the execution of the three-pillared strategy laid out to shareholders earlier this year. We look forward to his significant contribution to the future success of the group.”
