Rachel Clift to succeed Zara Ross as next CEO of Ben

Ben, the automotive industry charity, has announced that Rachel Clift will take over as CEO in November, succeeding Zara Ross, who is retiring after eight years at the helm.

Clift, currently serving as Ben’s health & wellbeing director, joined Ben in 2018, and has been instrumental in transforming the charity’s health & wellbeing services, nearly tripling its reach and impact.

Steve Nash, CEO of The Institute of the Motor Industry and Chair of Ben’s Trustee Board, said: “We look forward to working with Rachel to achieve our ambitious goals and continue supporting the automotive industry, its people, and their families. I would also like to personally thank Zara for her unwavering commitment to Ben over the past eight years.”

During her tenure, Ross led Ben through significant challenges, including the Covid pandemic, while overseeing major strategic initiatives and technological advancements. Her leadership also included a significant refit of Ben’s Town Thorns Care Centre.

Ross, who has served as Ben’s CEO since July 2016, will continue to work with the organisation as transfer programme director.

Clift expressed her enthusiasm for her new role and praised her predecessor’s achievements. “I am thrilled to step into the role of CEO at Ben and excited to lead the charity through its next phase of transformation.”

The Board of Trustees has set ambitious goals to further expand Ben’s impact by 2030, focusing on the growing health and wellbeing needs of those in the automotive industry.

Under Clift’s leadership, the charity plans to enhance its services and reach even more industry professionals and their families.