Halfords
Keith Williams is to take on the chairmanship of bicycle and car maintenance retailer Halfords. He will begin as chair on 24 July at the conclusion of its AGM, with Dennis Millard stepping down after nine years in the role.
Chartered accountant Williams is the former CEO and executive chairman of British Airways. He also serves as a non-executive director of Aviva and Royal Mail, plus deputy chairman of John Lewis.
“He is one of the most respected business leaders in the UK with extensive experience and a proven record in retail and other areas,” said senior independent director David Adams. “I would also like to thank Dennis on behalf of Halfords for his great contribution and commitment to the company over the last nine years. He will be much missed and we wish him well for the future.”
St. James’s Place
Chairwoman Sarah Bates is to retire from the board of investment management firm St. James’s Place, and the chair will be taken on by senior independent director Iain Cornish.
Bates joined the board in 2014, and oversaw its CEO transition to Andrew Croft from David Bellamy earlier this year.
Cornish said: “I am delighted to have been asked to chair St. James’s Place and would like to thank Sarah for her tremendous contribution during her time on the board.”
C&C Group
Magners and Bulmers cider brand owner C&C has named non-executive director Stewart Gilliland as its new chairman, succeeding Sir Brian Stewart from its AGM on 5 July.
Gilliland served as Booker Group chairman until its acquisition by Tesco in March—and now sits on Tesco’s board. He is also senior independent director of Mitchell and Butlers.