PETROL station operator Euro Garages has hired the former boss of Asda in a coup for the East Lancashire firm.

Andy Bond, who was chief executive of the supermarket giant between 2005 and 2010, was persuaded to become chairman of Euro Garages after being ‘impressed’ by the company’s ‘innovation’ and ‘quality’.

Mr Bond will bring the experience of leading Britain’s second largest supermarket to his new role overseeing the Blackburn business in a part-time capacity.

He said: “I’ve been hugely impressed by the business and the team at Euro Garages.

“In just 10 years, it has achieved significant scale in the sector and earned a well-deserved reputation for innovation, quality and customer service - values which are real success drivers in a retail business.

“I’m looking forward to helping the team continue its impressive growth.”

Euro Garages was founded in Blackburn Road, Darwen, in 2001 by the Issa family, who bought a single filling station in Bury.

Since then, they have acquired an empire of more than 80 forecourts and last year notched up sales of £285million thanks to tie-ups with firms like Subway, Starbucks and Greggs the bakers.

A new headquarters is currently being built in Haslingden Road, Blackburn, and should be ready later this year.

Euro Garages director Mohsin Issa said: “Andy’s track record speaks for itself.

“As well as significant retail and management expertise, he brings enormous drive and energy to the team, which is critical in an ambitious, high-growth business like ours.

“I’m confident his appointment will help us accelerate the momentum we’ve created over the last 10 years and deliver our growth strategy.”

Mr Bond, who was also Asda chairman from last year until earlier this month, will inject an undisclosed amount of his own money into Euro Garages.