Automotive industry charity Ben has promoted Rachel Clift from Health & Wellbeing Director to CEO.
She will take over from Zara Ross on 1 November after a rigorous recruitment process which included external applicants.
Rachel joined the charity in September 2018 and has significantly transformed its Health & Wellbeing offer to the industry, having almost tripled the charity’s reach and impact. Her proven leadership and dedication to the organisation make her ideally suited to guide Ben into its next chapter.
Steve Nash, CEO of The Institute of the Motor Industry and Chair of Ben’s Trustee Board, said: “We are confident that Rachel will bring the expertise, inspiration, drive, and leadership needed to steward Ben through its next strategic phase. We look forward to working with her to achieve our ambitious goals and continue to support the automotive industry, its people, and their family dependants.”
Rachel added: “I’m thrilled to be assuming the role of CEO at Ben and I’m excited about leading the charity through its biggest phase of transformation yet. I would also like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Zara for her support and dedication, I and all of us at Ben wish her good health and happiness in her retirement. We look forward to revealing more about what’s next for Ben and our ambitious growth plans very soon.”
Zara, who will continue to work with the organisation as Transfer Programme Director, has led the charity through significant transformation and growth over the past eight years, navigating the organisation through some major challenges, including the Covid pandemic, establishing a culture of quality, support and innovation throughout the organisation, increasing efficiency through technological advancements, and overseeing a major refit at Ben’s Town Thorns Care Centre.
She said, “Being CEO of Ben for the past eight years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I have enjoyed leading such an ambitious charity which puts those we support at the heart of everything. I’m confident that I’m leaving the organisation in very capable hands – I have no doubt that Rachel will rise to the challenge, leading Ben to even greater things for the future.”
