Ben, the automotive industry charity, has appointed its health and wellbeing director, Rachel Clift, as its chief executive.

Clift will take up the reins on 1 November, succeeding Zara Ross, who is retiring after eight years in the role.

But Ross will continue to work with the charity as its transfer programme director until the transfer of its care and village services to new operators is finalised.

Clift has been Ben’s health and wellbeing director since September 2018, during which time she has almost tripled the charity’s reach and impact, the organisation said.

Ben said its board planned to further treble the charity’s impact by 2030 under Clift’s leadership, focusing on the growing health and wellbeing needs of people working in the automotive industry.

Before joining Ben, Clift was director of health and wellbeing for People Plus UK, an education and employability company, between 2016 and 2018.

She has also been head of health and wellbeing services for Ingeus UK, a business that creates and delivers services to improve opportunities in employment, health, justice and youth.

Clift said of her new role: “I’m excited about leading the charity through its biggest phase of transformation yet.”

Ross said that being chief executive of Ben had been “one of the most rewarding experiences” of her career. 

She said: “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.”

Steve Nash, chair of Ben and chief executive of the professional body the Institute of the Motor Industry, said: “We are confident that Rachel will bring the expertise, inspiration, drive and leadership needed to steward Ben through its next strategic phase.”