Rochdale-based Carcraft Group has announced Colin Houlihan as its new group chief executive.

Houlihan brings 20 years experience as CEO in both private and public firms and has expertise in business strategy, change management, brand development and customer value.

Houlihan is tasked with developing a fresh approach for the business, which posted a loss in its most recent accounts at Companies House.

His appointment comes six months after Carcraft's previous chief executive Robin Bridge, who had been in the 11-site used car supermarket firm for 16 years, led a management buy-out from the McKee brothers.

The MBO was backed by Apollo Ventures.

Bridge is no longer connected with Carcraft and is understood to be "exploring opportunities whilst on garden leave".

Houlihan joins from Cool Milk Europe where he led the development of a school milk system in European countries.

Alan Greenough, non-executive director, said: "Having transitioned from a family run business, through a management buy-out the board believes it is the appropriate time for a proven corporate leader with fresh perspectives, a new profile and the hunger to lead the business to the next level."

While at Carcraft, Bridge was managing director of its We Buy Any Car business, which it later sold to BCA.