Automotive charity Ben announces new CEO

Automotive charity Ben has announced that health and wellbeing director Rachel Clift will replace Zara Ross as CEO.

Clift, who was appointed following a rigorous recruitment process which included external applicants, will take up her new role at Ben on 1 November after joining the charity in September 2018 and nearly tripling its reach and impact since then.

She said: “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.”

Automotive charity Ben

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. I would also like to say a heartfelt and personal thank you to Zara for her unwavering commitment to Ben over the past eight years.”

Ross, who is retiring after serving as CEO since 2016, added:

“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.”