BEN has today announced that David Main has been appointed as their new Chief Executive. Main who is currently Chief Executive of the Civil Service Benevolent Fund will take over from Christopher Macgowan, who is acting as Interim Chief Executive, on 26th January 2009.

Having qualified as an accountant David has had a strong and varied career to date. He joined the BOC Group where he progressed through a number of roles before heading up the UK healthcare operation. On leaving BOC, he became MD of a publicly quoted software company. Then in 1997 he was appointed the first non-lawyer Chief Executive of a regional law firm before joining the Civil Service Benevolent Fund, which marked his first move into the charity sector.

Commenting on his appointment David said "I am delighted to be joining BEN which plays such an important role in the automotive industry - and the other key industry sectors it serves. I am very much looking forward to bringing to BEN the experience I have gained in my career and continuing BEN's long and successful record of providing practical help, advice and support to those associated with the industry."

Speaking about David's appointment Christopher Macgowan commented: "I am delighted that David has agreed to join BEN's professional executive and I look forward to working alongside him as I return to my position on the Board. BEN's Executive team and Board have a vast knowledge of the automotive industry and the charitable sector and David brings his business skills and experience to complement our existing strengths. Together we will review the strategic direction of BEN to ensure that we continue to provide quality support to those in the industry."

Editors' notes:

1. David is married, has three adult children and lives in Wokingham.

2. BEN is the Automotive Industry Charity, the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries. Founded in 1905, the Charity provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families every year. In addition BEN provides a home to over 350 individuals who reside in one of its four residential centres in the UK and offers day care facilities at its centre in Coventry.