Judith Vermeulen is the new director of Mars Pension Fund. She introduces herself and explains how she became director and what she hopes to achieve for Mars Pension Fund members.

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I’m Judith Vermeulen, 49 years old. I live with Peter and my two children in the village of Berkel-Enschot, which is close to Tilburg. I have a 14-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter. In my spare time, I enjoy going out with my family. I also do sports several times a week. 

What form has your career at Mars Pension Fund taken?

After studying Higher Economic and Administrative Education in Breda, I worked at several companies before joining Mars. I’ve now been working at Mars for seventeen and a half years. In 2005, I joined the S&F department as a payroll coordinator. That was my first introduction to Mars Pension Fund. The in-house payroll department was also responsible for pension payments, and the subject of pensions regularly came up in my career from then on. That’s how my interest in the subject began to grow. 

After a few years, I joined the HR department, where I held various positions in Rewards (or Pay & Benefits as it used to be called). The Rewards department is responsible for Mars’ employee benefits package, which includes the pension. At the end of 2021, I transferred to the pension office of the Mars Pension Fund. That allowed me to concentrate fully on pensions and prepare myself well for the position of director.

How did you find yourself at Mars Pension Fund?

My involvement with Mars Pensioenfonds takes many forms. While working at the Rewards Department, I was a member of the pension fund’s communications committee as an HR representative for several years. 

In 2016, a vacancy opened up for the Mars Pensioenfonds Talent Pool. I saw that as an enjoyable new challenge besides my day job. After several rounds of talks with the fund, I became a prospective member of the Accountability Body. I took a number of training courses, such as Eligibility Level A. A good deal of attention is paid to development at the fund. From 2018 to 2022, I served as a member of the Accountability Body. That was an instructive period that I enjoyed very much.

How did you become director of Mars Pension Fund?

I started at the Pension Office in 2021, aiming to become director in the future. My varied experience and background allowed me to take this next step in my career. 

I followed external and internal training courses to properly prepare for this new position. For instance, I completed the Pension Fund Suitability Level B course. I also learned a good deal from the former director Helmy Bakermans.

The Future Pensions Act has been passed and takes effect on 1 July 2023. Does that make it an exciting time to be a pension fund director?

Yes, certainly. After a long time of uncertainty, the situation is now clear. The Future Pensions Act represents a big change. That presents a substantial challenge for the pension fund and all stakeholders. One of my key tasks is to continue clearly communicating what the changes mean for all pension members. 

What are you most looking forward to in your new role as director?

I am most looking forward to working on the new Future Pensions Act. The role of director is also highly varied. I’m involved in many different activities at the fund. That variety allows me to develop myself broadly in order to successfully fulfil my role. 

What do you hope to achieve at Mars Pension Fund?

My goal is to manage the transition to a new pension scheme as smoothly as possible. Communication plays a vital role here. We aim to communicate the new pension scheme understandably and transparently. Our members need to understand what the new pension scheme means for them and the impact of certain choices. We also want to properly guide members on their pension choices. 

When can members expect more information about precisely how they are affected?

The Senate passed the Act on Tuesday, 30 May. Now it’s the turn of the social partners and employers. They will determine the shape of the new scheme for Mars. 

The pension fund supports this and informs the employer. We keep our members informed of new developments through the Mars Pension Fund website and our newsletters.

Do you have a personal pension tip for our members?

My tip is: Check your pension regularly. Consider how much pension entitlement you have now, and also think about what you will need in the future. That way, you will know if you can retire earlier and have enough for that trip you have planned, or perhaps you would prefer to work part-time.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share?

We are always looking for people interested in pensions. Would you like to develop further in this area and take on a new role in the future in the Accountability Body or the board?

If so, the Talent Pool could be just the thing for you. You are not thrown straight into the deep end of the Talent Pool. Among other things, you attend training courses and seminars to learn about the subject of pensions. That will prepare you for a role within Mars Pension Fund s that suits you.

If you have any questions about the Talent Pool, please contact Judith Vermeulen or one of the board members.