Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I have always been passionate about pensions. Pensions are about much more than providing income later in life. They also involve investing, managing risks, communication, and the financial wellbeing of current and former employees. Throughout my career, I have held a variety of roles, both in the Netherlands and internationally. I bring that experience with me to HEINEKEN and the pension fund.

What is your first impression of the Heineken Pension Fund?

My first impression is very positive. There is a great deal of expertise within the organisation, and the fund operates professionally. A major advantage is that we administer our pension plan ourselves. This allows us to stay close to our members. If you have a question about your pension, you can always contact us or speak to us if you happen to meet us.

What motivated you to become Chair at this particular time?

Since January 1, 2026, we have had a new pension plan. This brings both new opportunities and new challenges. Developments in the labour market and financial markets are becoming increasingly visible in pension outcomes. I see it as an exciting challenge to guide the fund through this transition together with the Board, the Accountability Council, the Supervisory Board and the pension fund office. Throughout this process, one thing remains our top priority: providing a good pension for our members.

“A good pension is a bit like brewing beer: it takes time to create something worthwhile. By taking a look at your pension from time to time, you’ll have a better understanding of where you stand and can make timely adjustments if needed.”

What are your main ambitions for the coming years?

It is important to me that all members understand what they can expect from their pension. That is why we want to communicate clearly and support our members in making informed decisions. In everything we do, we strive to maintain the right balance between risk, returns, costs and service.

What is most important for the members of the pension fund?

Pensions are becoming more personal. Solidarity remains important, but members will increasingly need to pay attention to their own pension. You can do this via My Pension. A pension that suits your needs is not something to take for granted. That is why it is important to review your situation from time to time and check whether your expected pension still fits your life and future plans.

How do you want to stay connected with the members of the pension fund as Chair?

In three words: accessible, clear and open. I believe it is important to explain why we make certain decisions. Equally important is listening to what matters to our members. One of the ways we do this is through our pension panel.

If you could leave members with one message, what would it be?

Stay engaged with your pension.

A good pension is a bit like brewing beer: it takes time to achieve a great result. By checking in on your pension from time to time, you will have a better understanding of where you stand and can make adjustments if needed.

So don't wait until you are close to retirement. Your pension can be important much earlier in life too, for example for your partner or children. The better you understand your situation, the more options you have to make choices that are right for you.

Finally, what do you personally value about HEINEKEN?

For generations, HEINEKEN has shown a strong commitment to its employees. That same commitment is reflected in the pension fund. It enables us to offer a pension plan that meets the needs of both the organisation and our members. That is what makes the Heineken Pension Fund special to me.