Halfords CEO Transition Marks Next Phase in Services-Led Strategy

Halfords enters new chapter as Henry Birch succeeds Graham Stapleton as CEO

Leadership change signals continuity in services-led transformation across retail and autocentre divisions

Halfords Group has announced the departure of Graham Stapleton as CEO and director, following a transformative seven-year tenure. He is succeeded with immediate effect by Henry Birch, former CEO of the Very Group, Rank Group, and William Hill online.

Stapleton is credited with reshaping Halfords from a traditional motoring and cycling retailer into an omnichannel business with a growing services portfolio. Since 2018, group revenue has increased from £1.1 billion to £1.7 billion, while services have expanded from 24% of sales in FY19 to more than half of total revenue expected by FY25.

Strategic repositioning under Stapleton

Key milestones of Stapleton’s leadership include:

• Expanding autocentre and retail service offerings
• Accelerating investment in digital and omnichannel capabilities
• Steering the business through the Covid-19 pandemic and inflationary pressures
• Delivering cost mitigation that exceeded the company’s £30 million target

Halfords expects to report underlying profit before tax at the upper end of its £32 million to £37 million guidance range for FY25, supported by a 2.3% rise in like-for-like group sales and continued growth across both its retail and autocentre segments.

Birch to lead next growth phase

Henry Birch brings a track record in digitally led consumer businesses and will oversee the continued evolution of Halfords’ services proposition. He assumes leadership at a time when the UK retail environment remains volatile, with increased labour costs and regulatory changes placing further strain on operating models.

The board anticipates these pressures will be addressed through strategic efficiencies and renewed focus on customer services and technology-led offerings.

Halfords’ transformation highlights the growing convergence of retail and service delivery in the automotive aftermarket. As demand rises for convenient, tech-enabled vehicle care and support, particularly in areas such as EV maintenance and digital booking, retailers with integrated service arms are better placed to compete. The shift towards services accounting for more than 50% of Halfords’ revenue reflects a broader industry trend: moving from transactional product sales to recurring, value-added customer solutions.

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