People & Careers

Ben appoints new directors as part of strategic restructure

Published:

June 10, 2025

Author:

James Lockwood

Ben reshapes senior leadership team to support strategic transition.

Ben, the UK charity supporting people in the automotive industry, has announced a series of senior leadership changes aligned with its new strategic focus on health and wellbeing services.

The changes support the organisation’s transition away from delivering care and village services, following the recent handover of these operations to alternative providers. The updated leadership team will work closely with CEO Rachel Clift, who stepped into the role in 2024.

Martin Smith appointed Director of Finance, Governance & Impact

Martin Smith takes on a central role overseeing Ben’s Finance, Technology, and Data & Insights teams. He will also lead on Charitable Impact during the interim period, working alongside frontline service leads to strengthen operational delivery. Smith brings over two decades of finance leadership experience in the benevolent charity sector.





Matt Wigginton to lead Growth & Development

Long-time team member Matt Wigginton has been appointed Director of Growth & Development. Since joining Ben in 2015, Wigginton has led on partnerships and fundraising. In his expanded remit, he will focus on income generation and business development to deepen sector engagement.

Current focus on awareness and experience

Ellen Plumer has moved into the newly created role of Head of Awareness & Experience. Plumer, who has worked at Ben for ten years, will continue to oversee marketing and outreach while taking on responsibility for enhancing user experience across all touchpoints.

HR leadership formalised

Sarah D’Addio has been confirmed as Head of HR, following her interim appointment in 2023. With over 20 years’ experience in operational and strategic HR roles, D’Addio now joins Ben’s senior leadership team on a permanent basis.

Leadership departures

The update

📌 Ben appoints new directors as part of strategic restructure (Raver)
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