Simon fits the bill for Halfords Autocentres -
November 2011
Garage network Halfords Autocentres has reached the finish line in its recruitment drive for a new operations director - after attracting one of the industry’s leading lights to join the company.
Sector expert Simon Benson has taken up the operations reins from Bill Duffy, who was recently appointed as Halfords Autocentres chief executive.
Simon has joined the company from Kwik-Fit, where he served for 10 years, most recently as divisional director. He has also worked for Kingfisher Group brands Comet and Woolworths.
Halfords Autocentres is currently experiencing its most rapid period of expansion, with the company expecting to have an additional 14 centres open by the end of April 2012 and aiming to add up to another 30 by April 2013. It currently has 247 Autocentres, the most recent to open being in Blackpool.
The company prides itself on the operational excellence overseen by Mr Duffy during his time in the role, and he believes Simon’s appointment will help build on this reputation as they grow.
He said: “I believe that our ability to attract Simon to join us shows the progress that Halfords Autocentres has made and the way that we are now perceived as a leader in the industry.
“He is respected within the aftersales trade and brings with him a wealth of knowledge that will ensure that we will deliver on our promise to continue raising the bar for the car and van maintenance sector.
“Simon will be looking at all the areas of our business that help us to achieve that, including staff training, recruitment, professional standards and customer service.”
Having viewed Halfords Autocentres from the outside as a competitor, Simon admits he is delighted to now be on the orange side of the fence.
He said: “As an operator it is fantastic to see our business put values such as ‘trustworthy’, ‘honest’ and ‘helpful’ at the heart of their offer – especially in a sector which does carry some negative baggage with consumers. The firm is redefining the meaning of value for money in the sector, a proposition that is resonating strongly in these difficult times.
“I was attracted to Halfords Autocentres because of its ambitious plans and vision and I am very happy to now be a key part of delivering them.”
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