Garage network Halfords Autocentres has appointed Simon Benson as operations director to take over the reins from Bill Duffy, who was recently appointed as Halfords Autocentres’ chief executive.

Benson 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 Duffy during his time in the role, and he believes Benson’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.”

Benson said: “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.”