Marc Bell joined Benenden Health, the mutual, not-for-profit healthcare provider, as marketing and business strategy director in 2008 and since contributed significantly over the following five years to the development of business strategy ahead of being appointed chief executive in 2013. This included leading the rebrand and a push to develop new general insurance services for the membership.

Prior to joining benenden health, Mr Bell had more than 15 years of board level service with several blue chip retail organisations, including the Daily Mail and General Trust Group’s Teletext service, where he launched the Teletext Holidays online brand and established a leading holiday distribution portal.

Mr Bell was also previously marketing director at Granada Hospitality, responsible for hotels and restaurants across the UK including the award-winning Travelodge brand.

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"If I took another job at this point in my life it would ideally be one that was based in York; I’ve lived and worked in this city for seven years now and have never been happier than I am in York.

"The business community is vibrant and very committed to supporting the local community. My passion is for growing organisations and managing change so for me, another job would have to be for an organisation that wanted to evolve and grow."

Greatest achievement?

"In business terms I genuinely regard the work I am leading here at Benenden as my greatest achievement. We are helping more people with their health challenges than at any time in our 110 year history and have been very successful at growing our revenues and balance sheet far in advance of our market. In personal terms my greatest achievement is my family life and continuing to learn and develop as a person."

What makes you most angry?

"Dishonesty. I think that in our personal and professional lives we have a duty to uphold values of openness and transparency at all times and not to exploit situations."

Biggest mistake?

"I re-located my family and made a mistake in working away from home for a year. I’ll never do that again!"

What do you need to make life complete?

"I need to be achieving and staying fit and healthy. I do believe in taking a break away from corporate life and most of my spare time is spent enjoying life with my family. I think a good work life balance is important and whenever I achieve that (which isn’t always) I do feel my life is complete."

Why do you make a difference?

"I believe I make a difference because I apply my total commitment and energy to get things done. I hope I make a difference to those around me too. It is rewarding to see the fruits of your labour. I believe that having a sense of humour is quite important to get through life and I have noticed over the years that if you have that, it can make a difference to sometimes challenging situations. "

Epitaph

"Didn’t take himself too seriously and enjoyed a happy, fulfilled life."