In each Pension Update, we feature one of the fund's Board members. They introduce themselves and share more about their role at Dow and the fund. In this edition, we would like to introduce the entire Board, as a number of new members have joined and some members have left.
Although some Board members are unfortunately missing from the photo, we'll still introduce each of them to you.
From left to right: Kitty Dusarduijn, Pierre Taalman, Otto Berbée, Berto Kroes, Herbert Jonkman Marc Obrie and Ed d'Hooghe
Introducing the Board:
| Name | Position | On behalf of | Member of the Board since | Position at Dow |
| Ed d'Hooghe | Chair | employer | 1 January 2013 | HR Director |
| Pierre Taalman | Vice-chair | employer | 6 February 2012 | Financial Accounting Director |
| James Macfarlane | Member | employer | 7 June 2024 | Senior Treasury Director |
| Berto Kroes | Member | employees | 27 March 2015 | Senior Site Logistics Operations Leader |
| Arno de Ritter | Member | employees | 22 November 2024 | Production engineering expertise manager |
| Ad de Kok | Member | pensioners | 2 June 2017 | Director Research & Development |
| Otto Berbée | Member | pensioners | 7 September 2021 | LDPE Technology Scientist |
Quotes from Board members:
'Good, transparent and balanced governance ensures that the interests of all stakeholders are fully represented. The pension agreement must be fulfilled in a proper and timely manner. For retired members, in practical terms this means getting their monthly pension paid on time, in the promised amount,' says Pierre Taalman.
'In my role as a director, I want to make sure for members and pensioners that the fund's investment policy is aligned with the character of the fund, with adequate hedging of risks. In addition, I want to monitor non-financial risks and ensure that the fund complies with laws and regulations,' says Berto Kroes.
'My aim is for all members to enjoy retirement with peace of mind when the time comes for them. Good communication plays a crucial role in this. It's important that every member has a clear picture of what's feasible within the pension arrangements they have. Plus, there has to be proper provision in place for the unexpected circumstances that we would rather not think about,' says Arno de Ritter.
'In my role, I want to contribute to an effective and reliable pension fund for Dow and its employees and pensioners,' says Carlo de Smet.
Prospective Board members
Besides the Board members, there are also a number of prospective Board members. These members are yet to be appointed. Appointments will be taking place in autumn 2025.
|
Name
|
Position at Dow
|
| Carlo de Smet | Senior Site Logistics Director |
| Herbert Jonkman | IT leader voor Mergers, Aquisitions en Divestitures |
| Kitty Dusarduijn | Senior Accounting Leader |
| Marc Obrie | Operator |
| Nico Hogerheide | Cost Manager |
| Scott Boetefuer |
Financial accounting Director |