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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' (SMMT) chief executive Christopher Macgowan (pictured right) is to be the next president of BEN, the motor and allied trades benevolent fund.

The news follows the departure of Vincent Oddie of Castrol UK Ltd who who stood down following his promotion to a new role in the United States.

Macgowan will officially become BEN's president at its annual meeting on September 23 2004.