Philip Watts has been appointed as the York-based Benenden Healthcare Society's first national business development manager.

The Benenden Healthcare Society, a mutual not-for-profit provider of affordable, quality health care in Holgate Park, has especially created the role for Mr Watts, who will report to Duncan Bradshaw, the society's business development and retention director.

He will be responsible for the direction of the head office and field based business development team, which collectively employs 24 staff.

Phil, who lives with his wife and son in Wheldrake, has more than 20 years' experience in sales and management, gained in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries.

Before joining Benenden, he was a freelance recruitment consultant working in the pharmaceutical sector. He has also worked in the automotive research and development industry, where he gained experience in financial management and control.

His goal will be to continue to grow Benenden's membership - both on an individual and corporate level, and to oversee the recruitment of members across all regions of the UK.

The Benenden Healthcare Society has nearly one million members in the UK and has just celebrated its centenary year.

Its services are available only to current and former employees of the Post Office, Civil Service, charities, BT and all other public sector bodies, their families and friends.

Updated: 10:24 Wednesday, March 15, 2006