Automotive charity Ben has announced key appointments to its senior leadership team, marking a significant step in its transition to a focused health and wellbeing charity.
The restructure supports Ben’s evolving strategy and CEO Rachel Clift’s vision, who took up her post in 2024. The new team brings together established leaders from within the organisation and fresh expertise from the wider sector.
Martin Smith has joined as Director of Finance, Governance & Impact. With over two decades of charity sector experience, Martin will lead finance, technology, and data teams, while also overseeing Ben’s charitable impact on an interim basis.
Matt Wigginton, a familiar face at Ben since 2015, becomes Director of Growth & Development. He will spearhead income generation, fundraising, and industry engagement efforts, leveraging his background in both commercial and non-profit environments.
Meanwhile, Ellen Plumer moves into the newly created role of Head of Awareness & Experience. After 10 years at Ben in senior communications roles, she will now focus on raising awareness and improving stakeholder experience across all touchpoints.
Sarah D’Addio, who had been serving as Interim HR Manager, is appointed Head of HR. With over 20 years’ experience in both strategic and operational HR, D’Addio formally joins the senior team to help drive forward Ben’s people strategy.
The announcement also marks the departure of three key figures. HR Director Gary Burgham and former CEO Zara Ross, who recently held the role of Transfer Programme Director, have now left Ben following their work on transferring the charity’s care and village services. Finance Director Jonathan Cox has stepped down but will continue to support the final stages of that transition.
“These changes are part of a watershed moment for Ben,” said Rachel. “I want to thank Gary, Zara, and Jonathan for their outstanding contributions. I’m delighted to welcome Martin, Ellen, Matt, and Sarah – each brings a depth of knowledge and passion for our mission. With this new team in place, we’re well-positioned to grow our impact and support even more people in our automotive family.”
More on Ben’s leadership team can be found at www.ben.org.uk/SLT.
