Monday, 29 September 2014

BEN Announces Key Board Appointments

Following the AGM (25 September 2014) BEN is delighted to announce that Robin Woolcock, an existing trustee, has been appointed as president and will chair BEN's Board

Robin takes up the mantle from Joe Greenwell OBE DL, who stands down following six years in the role. In addition the Board, which oversees the effective running of the charity by its Executive team, will further benefit from the appointment of four key industry figures.

Automotive stalwart Robin, who has sat on the Board since 2005, is perfectly placed to assume this new role having helped shape the future direction of its care provision as a member of the Lynwood Village Development committee. Robin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the automotive industry, having held a number of senior roles including that of managing director of VW Group in the UK from 2000-2011. He then became a Special Advisor to Volkswagen AG in Germany.

The newly appointed Trustees are:

• Jeremy Hicks, managing director, Jaguar Land Rover UK

• Steve Nash, chief executive officer, The Institute of the Motor Industry

• Lesley Upham, commercial director, Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre

• Graham Wheeler, joint managing director, Volkswagen Financial Services.

Hailing from the finance, manufacturing, Membership and research sectors, their appointments will broaden the representation, and bring further specialist experience and knowledge, to our Board.

During his time as president, Joe has been instrumental in steering us through the double-dip recession to a position of financial stability. This has enabled us to extend care and support services provided as part of a major new strategy to increase its reach.

Commenting on the appointment of his successor Joe stated, ‘The role of BEN is unique within the automotive industry and in Robin I am absolutely certain it has a President who fully appreciates the importance of his new role and more significantly, the importance of BEN to the entire automotive community.

‘BEN has faced and overcome some tremendous challenges during my time as President. I am leaving in the sure knowledge that BEN’s future is not only more secure but, equally, more exciting than at any time in the past.’

Other changes at BEN include the retirement as a trustee of Christopher Macgowan OBE. Christopher has served as a Trustee for some 17 years, is a past president of BEN, and during his tenure has also served as an interim chief executive.

Chief executive, David Main said, ‘The appointment of Robin, a Trustee with nine years experience of BEN, provides valuable continuity. Having worked alongside Robin for the last five years I am confident that through his determination and commitment we will continue to drive forward our shared strategic vision for BEN.

‘The development of Lynwood Village and plans to extend the breadth of our care and support services represent an exciting future. Robin is highly regarded amongst his fellow Board members and I have no doubt that under his guidance the Trustee body will continue to make a valuable and significant contribution.

‘Finally I would to say that it has been a pleasure to work alongside Joe; his commitment and knowledge have been invaluable to BEN. He has guided us through a very tough period; we are indebted to him and wish him well in the future.’