David Wild has left Wal-Mart to take the top job at UK firm Halfords.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The news could be a significant blow to the US retailer as Wild, a former Tesco executive, headed-up Wal-Mart’s new Marketside stores format in California.
Wal-Mart had positioned the smaller-scale Marketside stores to compete with Tesco’s Fresh & Easy in the hopes of halting Tesco’s US advance. Marketside outlets were preparing to debut in Phoenix later this year, where they would go head-to-head with Tesco.
Fresh & Easy operates stores across California, Nevada and Arizona. Tesco has indicated that it plans to have opened 200 outlets by the end of the year.
Wild will become CEO of Halfords in August. He is the successor to Ian McLeod, who left Halford’s to run Australia’s number two grocer Coles in February.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“Mr Wild brings over 20 years’ retailing experience, gained at two world-leading businesses and clearly has the skills and ability to move the company forward,” Richard Pym, Halford’s chairman, said.
Wal-Mart was unavailable for comment as just-food went to press.
