Following the expiration of the current term of two board members representing active members, two vacancies for board positions will arise within the board of Mars Pension Fund.
Vacancy 1 in the Board on behalf of active members
The current term of Paul van Beek, board member on behalf of active members in the Board of Mars Pension Fund, will expire in June 2026.
This creates a vacancy for a board member representing active members, with a focus on IT/cyber risk, among other areas. This board member will also lead the Competence Team. View the job description here.
Reappointment of incumbent board member
Paul van Beek has been a board member since 2022 and has indicated his availability for a new four-year term. The Board of Mars Pension Fund expresses its confidence in Paul and would like him to remain as a board member for another four years during the transition to the new pension plan.
Vacancy 1 profile description board member (IT/cyberrisk)Vacancy 2 in the Board on behalf of active members
Harold van Heesch's second term as a board member expires in June 2026. Harold is not available to extend his board position and will therefore be stepping down. Harold's departure creates a vacancy for a board member representing active participants, with a focus on areas including Communication. View this vacancy below.
Harold, thank you for your dedication!
Vacancy 2 profile description board memberWould you like to apply for one of the positions?
You can do so if you meet the requirements of the job profile for Vacancy 1 or the job profile of Vacancy 2. Please send your motivation letter and resume before March 2, 2026, to pensioenservice@marspensioen.nl. Please note: The Dutch Central Bank (DNB) also determines the extent to which you are eligible.
More information on the Talent Pool
Are you interested in playing a role within the pension fund in the future? Then the Talent Pool might be something for you.
About the vacancies
Objecting to reappointment
Do you object to Paul's possible reappointment? If so, please send an email to pensioenservice@marspensioen.nl before March 2, 2026, explaining why you object to this appointment.
Proposing another candidate
If you would like to propose another candidate, you can do so. Submit your motivation by email within four weeks, providing a clear explanation of why you object to the reappointment and/or mentioning any other candidate.
Reappointment of incumbent board member: who is Paul van Beek?
Paul van Beek is Global Engineer Chocolate and since 2022 a board member of Mars Pension Fund. He currently lives in Uden with his girlfriend and two children, after having lived and worked abroad for several years for Mars. Paul enjoys spending his free time playing sports (tennis and running) or pursuing one of his hobbies, such as home improvement, brewing beer, and volunteering locally. After holding various regional engineering roles at Veghel and Viersen, he moved to Global Engineering. Here, he is working on global projects related to filled bars, biscuits, and peanuts. What draws him to this is meeting other cultures, languages, and people.
In our opinion, Paul has the right knowledge and experience to properly perform the role of Board Member of Mars Pension Fund on behalf of active members. His involvement with the pension fund began as a member of the Talent Pool, where he further developed his skills. He then joined the Accountability Council, which gave him valuable insights into the governance and decision-making processes within the fund.
By the end of 2020, Paul was given the opportunity to start working as a prospective board member, an opportunity he seized with both hands. During this period, he also successfully completed his training as a pension fund manager, further deepening his professional knowledge. After approval by the Dutch Bank, Paul was officially appointed as a board member in June 2022. Thanks to this combination of practical experience, training, and formal approval, Paul is well equipped to represent the interests of the active members in the pension fund.
Thank you Harold!
Harold has been a process operator peanut bakery and chocolate room for 33 years, and since 2018 board member of Mars Pension Fund. From the ASP member group, he moved on to the Talent Pool of Mars Pension Fund in 2016. After thorough training, attending board meetings and knowledge sessions, and participating in the pension communication committee, he became a board member of Mars Pension Fund in 2018. His second term is now coming to an end. The Board would like to thank Harold for his dedication and contribution during his term of board membership!