August 14th, 2026.



Automotive charity, Ben, has announced the appointment of a new Chair and four new Trustees as it enters a new chapter in its ambition to transform the future of health and wellbeing across the automotive industry.

The appointments come as Ben embarks on developing its long-term vision to help create an industry where everyone can access the support they need to thrive. Additionally, where health and wellbeing become a shared responsibility across employers, colleagues and the wider automotive community.

With an ambitious road to 2030 where the charity is seeking to significantly increase its reach and support thousands more people, Ben will evolve its services, expand industry partnerships and develop new ways to improve wellbeing at every stage of people's lives and careers. The new Board appointments will play a key role in helping shape this future, bringing fresh thinking, strategic insight and extensive leadership experience from across the automotive, charity, public and commercial sectors.

Jonathan Hewett has been appointed as Chair of Ben, alongside new Trustees Darren Edwards, Georgina Hoare, Damian Oton and Pia Wilkes CBE.

Will Dalton has served as Interim Chair since March, providing strong leadership and continuity throughout the recruitment process. Ben thanks Will for his outstanding contribution during this period and is pleased that he will continue to serve on the Board as a Trustee.

Jonathan Hewett is Chief Executive of Thatcham Research, the UK's only automotive risk intelligence organisation. He brings extensive leadership experience across financial services, insurance, retail and technology, together with a strong track record in strategy, innovation and organisational development. Through his work at Thatcham Research, he has helped guide the automotive, insurance and repair sectors through a period of rapid technological change. Jonathan is also a Trustee of the National Motor Museum and, having grown up in a motor trade family, has a lifelong connection to the automotive industry and a deep commitment to the people who work within it.

Joining Jonathan on the Board is Darren Edwards, former Chief Executive Officer of Sytner Group, who brings more than 40 years of automotive leadership experience. Throughout his career, Darren has been a passionate advocate for colleague wellbeing and a long-standing supporter of Ben, including establishing a major fundraising initiative at Sytner. His expertise spans strategy, governance, leadership, technology, marketing and customer experience.

Georgina Hoare, Chief Executive of the PDA Society, joins the Board with extensive experience across the charity, health and social care sectors at senior leadership and board level. A qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist, organisational consultant and coach, she brings expertise in mental health, safeguarding, organisational development and charity governance, alongside a strong commitment to improving psychological health and wellbeing outcomes.

Damian Oton, Chief Commercial Officer at Motability Operations, brings more than three decades of automotive experience and expertise in commercial strategy, operational leadership, governance, transformation and partnership development.

Pia Wilkes CBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), is a qualified engineer with over 30 years' experience across the automotive sector. Having held senior leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, Pia is also a recognised advocate for diversity, inclusion and neurodiversity, bringing invaluable insight to Ben's future ambitions.

Rachel Clift, CEO of Ben, said: “These appointments mark an exciting moment in Ben's journey. We have bold ambitions, not only to reach thousands more people with life-changing and lifesaving support, but to help shape a future where health and wellbeing are embedded at the heart of the automotive industry.

“The challenges facing our industry continue to evolve and so must we. Together with our new Chair and Trustees, we have an incredible opportunity to reimagine how wellbeing is understood, delivered and championed across the automotive community. Their experience, insight and passion will help us inspire new thinking, build stronger partnerships and create lasting impact for generations to come.”

Jonathan Hewett, Chair of Ben, said: “It is a privilege to join Ben at such a pivotal moment. The charity has an ambitious vision for the future and an increasingly important role to play in helping shape a healthier, more resilient automotive industry.

“I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees, Rachel and the senior leadership team to help turn that vision into reality - growing Ben's reach, driving innovation and ensuring even more people can access the support they need throughout their lives and careers.”


For more information about our Board of Trustees, visit: www.ben.org.uk/board