Motor accessories and bikes giant Halfords has appointed Dennis Millard as chairman, replacing Richard Pym.

Millard, chairman of Smiths News, is also a non-executive director of department store group Debenhams where he chairs the audit committee. He assumed his Halfords responsibilities yesterday.

Millard said: “I am delighted to be joining Halfords at a time when it continues to make such good progress against each of its strategic priorities.

“I look forward to working with the Halfords board and with David Wild, the chief executive, who has made an excellent and telling contribution since he joined last year.”