Bikes and car accessories specialist Halfords has named Andrew Findlay its new group finance director.

Findlay joins from Marks & Spencer, where he is director of finance, tax and treasury at present, and has previously worked at Cable & Wireless and the London Stock Exchange.

Findlay replaces Nick Wharton, who is leaving Halfords to become chief executive of value homewares group Dunelm.

Halfords chief executive David Wild said: “Andrew has an impressive track record and brings extensive financial experience in retail and other competitive, consumer-facing industries.”

Singer analyst Mark Photiades said he viewed the appointment “positively from the standpoint of his retail background, although it remains to be seen whether or not he fits in at Halfords or whether investors warm to him.”