Ben, the automotive industry charity, has announced the appointment of Rachel Clift as its new CEO, effective 1st November 2024. Rachel will succeed Zara Ross, who has been at the helm of the organisation since July 2016 and is now stepping down to retire after eight years of transformative leadership.
Zara Ross has been instrumental in steering Ben through a period of significant change and growth. Her tenure is marked by numerous achievements that have left an indelible mark on the charity. Notably, Zara led strategic reviews with the Board of Trustees, navigated the challenges of the Covid pandemic, and ensured the continued support of vulnerable stakeholders during this critical period. Her leadership also saw the establishment of a culture of quality, support, and innovation throughout Ben, alongside technological advancements that increased organisational efficiency. Additionally, she oversaw a major refit at Ben’s Town Thorns Care Centre, further enhancing the charity's ability to serve its community.
The Board of Trustees has expressed its deep gratitude to Zara for her exceptional service, noting that her vision and commitment have significantly shaped the direction of Ben. While Zara will step down as CEO on 31st October 2024, she will continue to support the organisation as Transfer Programme Director, overseeing the transfer of care and village services to new operators until the process is finalised.
Following a rigorous recruitment process that considered both internal and external candidates, Ben’s Board of Trustees has appointed Rachel Clift, currently the charity’s Health & Wellbeing Director, as the new CEO. Rachel will officially take on the role on 1st November 2024.
Since joining Ben in September 2018, Rachel has been pivotal in transforming the charity’s Health & Wellbeing services, nearly tripling its reach and impact within the automotive industry. Her proven leadership and dedication make her ideally suited to guide Ben into its next phase of growth.
Ben’s Board of Trustees has set ambitious goals to further treble the charity’s impact by 2030, focusing on the increasing health and wellbeing needs of those in the automotive sector. Under Rachel’s leadership, Ben aims to enhance its services and expand its support to thousands more individuals and their families within the industry.
Steve Nash, CEO of The Institute of the Motor Industry and Chair of Ben’s Trustee Board, commented on the appointment, saying: “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.”
Reflecting on her time at Ben, Zara Ross 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. I will greatly miss my Ben colleagues, all Ben stakeholders, and those in the wider automotive community – I wish you all the very best.”
Rachel Clift expressed her enthusiasm for her new role: “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.”
As Ben transitions under new leadership, the organisation remains committed to its mission of supporting the health and wellbeing of those in the automotive industry. Rachel Clift’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the charity as it seeks to expand its impact and continue providing essential services to its community.
