The Dutch Pension Fund for Healthcare and Welfare (PFZW) has announced the appointment of Cateautje Hijmans van den Bergh as independent chair of the board, effective immediately.  

She succeeds Joanne Kellermann, who is leaving the pension fund after more than seven years, and her appointment was approved by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB).

Hijmans van den Bergh has worked in the pensions sector in various roles for more than 20 years and has extensive experience as a director and supervisor. She has served as a board member of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) and has also worked at APG as interim director.

Commenting on her appointment, Hijmans van den Bergh said: “Pensions are incredibly important. PFZW has a social mission. I feel honoured to dedicate myself to this cause.

“I look forward to working with the board and the social partners in the care and welfare sectors to ensure a good pension for all those who dedicate themselves to helping others every day. As chair, I want to contribute to a strong and future-proof pension fund for everyone who works or has worked in care and welfare.”

In addition to this, PFZW has announced that Charlotte Kuiper has joined the fund as a board member on behalf of pensioners.

Kuiper succeeds Mariëtte Simons, whose term is coming to an end, and this appointment has also been approved by DNB.

She has over 20 years of experience in the pension sector, including as a director, supervisor and advisor. Kuiper combines her board position at PFZW with several part-time positions at other pension funds.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: “I want to work towards a transparent and reliable pension fund that understands what pensioners need. They must be able to trust that PFZW will manage their money wisely. I want to listen carefully to their wishes, needs and, perhaps at times, their concerns.”

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