Dutch Pension Giant ABP Names Chairman

The Netherlands’ biggest pension fund has a new chairman.

The largest Dutch pension fund has appointed influential European politician Corien Wortmann-Kool as its new chair of trustees, capping off a year of staff changes.

Wortmann-Kool replaces Henk Brouwer who stepped down as chairman of ABP in May. She has been a member of the European Parliament since 2004, and was vice-chair of the European People’s Party from 2009 until stepping down as a politician in June this year.

Jose Meijer, vice-chairman of ABP’s board of trustees, said the appointment was “an ideal combination of knowledge and experience”, adding that Wortmann-Kool had “a great deal of knowledge about the financial sector, is an experienced and strong administrator, and also has an extensive network in Brussels and The Hague”.

“Confidence in pension funds has declined over the years,” Wortmann-Kool said. “There are many changes in store in the coming years, which means that uncertainty among participants in relation to pensions could increase. I want to contribute to good and honest communication with our participants about certainties and uncertainties, so that they know what they can and cannot expect from ABP.”

The announcement follows the appointment of Eduard van Gelderen as CIO of APG, ABP’s dedicated asset manager, earlier this year. He replaced Angelien Kemna, who is now APG’s chief finance and risk officer.

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