Wal-Mart U.S. man named chief at U.K. retailer

LONDON David Wild, who is currently serving as senior vp for new business development at Wal-Mart U.S., will join Halfords Group, a U.K.-based automotive and leisure products retailer, as chief executive effective August 4.

Wild has been serving in his current position since January 2007. Prior to this  appointment he was president and managing director of Wal-Mart Germany.   

Before joining Wal-Mart, Wild was with Tesco for 18 years, most recently serving as supply chain director.

Commenting on Wild's appointment, Richard Pym, chairman of Halfords Group said,  "We are delighted that David will be joining Halfords. He brings over 20 years' retailing experience, gained at two world-leading businesses, and clearly has the skills and ability to move the company forward. We are confident that David will add tremendous value to Halfords and we look forward to him joining the team."