Halfords group commercial director Paul McClenaghan has left the business after eight years, as the car part and cycle specialist seeks a replacement.

Group chief executive Matt Davies will assume direct responsibility for commercial activities from today. McClenaghan has also stepped down from the board.

Davies said: “We would like to thank Paul for his immense contribution over the past eight years. We wish him every success in the next stage of his career.”

McClenaghan joined Halfords as trading director in 2005. He came from Dixons as group trading director for vision and auto where he had worked for 17 years.

McClenaghan said: “I have enjoyed working at Halfords and feel we have accomplished a great deal during my time with the business. I feel now is the appropriate time to step down and seek fresh challenges elsewhere.”