Halfords chief executive Graham Stapleton to 'hand over the reins' to Henry Birch

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The retailer has announced its group chief executive Graham Stapleton is stepping down with immediate effect.

Stapleton is to leave the business today, and is being replaced by former Very Group boss Henry Birch.

The leadership change follows Stapleton’s seven-year tenure during which the business evolved from a traditional cycling and motoring retailer into a retail and services operation.

Under Stapleton’s leadership, annual revenues grew from £1.1bn to £1.7bn, with more than half of the group’s sales now service-related, compared to just 24% in FY19. The company has simultaneously developed its Halfords Motoring Club, which now boasts over 5 million members.

Birch previously served as chief executive of The Very Group and has held chief executive positions at Rank Group Plc and William Hill’s online division.

Graham Stapleton said: “Following a performance to be proud of in FY25 and after seven years leading the transformation of Halfords from a cycling and motoring retailer to an omnichannel motoring services super-specialist, it is time for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of the business’s evolution. I wish Henry and the team all the best.”

Halford chair Keith Williams said: “Graham has transformed the Halfords business to make it fit for the future, leading it through a challenging period including the Covid pandemic and a global macroeconomic slowdown. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank him for his dedication and commitment to the business throughout his tenure.

“The Board is also very pleased to be welcoming Henry to Halfords. We are very confident that he has the skills and experience to take the business forward in the next phase of its long history.”

Birch said: “I am delighted to be joining Halfords and am excited for the journey ahead. While the current challenging consumer and economic outlook appears unlikely to subside in the short-term, Graham is leaving behind a business that is well-positioned for success in the years ahead and I look forward to building on these strong foundations to generate long-term value for all our stakeholders.”