8:14 am, August 17, 2026
Former Sytner Group boss Darren Edwards has joined the board of automotive charity Ben as one of four new trustees.
Edwards, who stepped down as chief executive of the dealer group earlier this year, brings more than 40 years of motor trade experience to the role and has been a long-standing supporter of the charity.
During his time at Sytner, he was a vocal advocate for employee wellbeing and helped establish a major fundraising initiative for Ben.
His appointment comes as the charity reshapes its board and sets out plans to significantly increase the number of automotive industry workers it supports by 2030.
Edwards is joined as a trustee by Georgina Hoare, chief executive of the PDA Society; Damian Oton, chief commercial officer at Motability Operations; and Vehicle Certification Agency CEO Pia Wilkes CBE.
Meanwhile, Thatcham Research chief executive Jonathan Hewett has been appointed as Ben’s new chair.
Hewett succeeds Will Dalton, who has served as interim chair since March and will remain on the board as a trustee.
Ben said the appointments will help it develop its services, expand partnerships with automotive businesses and find new ways to support the health and wellbeing of people working across the industry.
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.’
Hewett added: ‘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.’