Halfords has promoted Bill Duffy to become chief executive of its Autocentres business.

Duffy, at present chief operating officer of the car servicing division, will take up his new role on September 12 and will lead Autocentres’ expansion to 400  branches over the next five years.

He succeeds Duncan Wilkes, who held the post for five-and-a-half years and has decided to look for new challenges.

Halfords group chief executive David Wild said: “I’d like to welcome Bill to his new role. He and I have already been working closely together.

“He knows the business inside out and has the ideal experience and leadership qualities to drive the next phase of the growth strategy.”