Redditch-based automotive and outdoor retailer Halfords has appointed a former Superdrug marketing director to lead its brand marketing.

Gerry Murphy is set to join the firm in the newly created post of group brand marketing director in January and will be responsible for developing and implementing Halfords brand marketing strategy across all channels.

Mr Murphy was previously marketing director at Superdrug where he was instrumental in repositioning the brand and stores around their beauty proposition.

He introduced the “Beauty as Fashion” strapline and launched the company’s first transactional website.

Prior to this he was head of marketing at Matalan and has worked for Toys R Us as well as other family-owned retail businesses.

Most recently Mr Murphy was UK chief executive of The Number, owners of 118 118, where he was said to have “significantly increased profits and developed the brand online”.

Halfords chief executive David Wild said: “Gerry has an impressive track record in brand development with leading retail companies.

“He also has considerable commercial experience and in depth knowledge of both on and offline channels.

“I am delighted to welcome him to Halfords as we deliver the next stage of our strategy for long term sustainable growth through our stores, at Halfords.com and the national launch of our rebranded Halfords Autocentres.”