Why has former Sytner CEO Darren Edwards become a trustee of charity Ben?

Former Sytner Group chief executive Darren Edwards has been appointed as one of four new trustees of the automotive charity Ben.

New leadership at Ben charity

Ben, the wellbeing charity dedicated to staff across the motor industry, is refreshing its board as part of a wider strategy to broaden its reach. The organisation’s aim is to substantially increase the number of automotive workers it supports by 2030, a goal that will rely heavily on the expertise of its newly‑appointed trustees.

Darren Edwards brings 40 years of expertise

Edwards stepped down as chief executive of the Sytner Group earlier this year after a career that spans more than four decades in the motor trade. During his time at Sytner, he was a vocal advocate for employee wellbeing and helped launch a major fundraising initiative for Ben. His long‑standing support for the charity means he arrives with a deep understanding of both the commercial and human side of the automotive sector.

Board expansion and 2030 ambition

Alongside Darren Edwards, the newly formed board includes Georgina Hoare, chief executive of the PDA Society; Damian Oton, chief commercial officer at Motability Operations; and Pia Wilkes CBE, chief executive of the Vehicle Certification Agency. The reshaped board is expected to develop new services, strengthen partnerships with automotive businesses, and devise fresh approaches to health and wellbeing across the industry.

In parallel, Thatcham Research chief executive Jonathan Hewett has been named Ben’s new chair, succeeding interim chair Will Dalton, who will remain on the board as a trustee.

Quotes on the charity’s future

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.”

She added that the evolving challenges facing the sector demand a proactive response: “Together with our new Chair and Trustees, we have an incredible opportunity to re‑imagine how wellbeing is understood, delivered and championed across the automotive community.”

Jonathan Hewett echoed this sentiment, describing his appointment as “a privilege” and highlighting the charity’s need to grow its reach, drive innovation and ensure that more industry workers can access vital support throughout their careers.

The combined experience of the new trustees – from dealership leadership to vehicle certification and mobility services – is expected to catalyse Ben’s ambition to become the cornerstone of health and wellbeing for the UK motor trade.

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The post Former Sytner boss Darren Edwards joins automotive charity Ben as trustee appeared first on Car Dealer Magazine.