Eight years of involvement
Mila Hoekstra is leaving TNO Pension Fund
Three independent experts from the Supervisory Board oversee TNO Pension Fund. They critically monitor the policies and general operations of our Fund. One of those three is Mila Hoekstra. She joined the Supervisory Board of TNO Pension Fund eight years ago and will be stepping down in January. In an enthusiastic conversation, she looks back on eight years of involvement, shares what made an impression, and explains why she is leaving the Fund with a sense of fulfilment.
A farewell in stages
In July 2018, Mila started at the same time as Jac. Kragt at the first meeting of the Supervisory Board of TNO Pension Fund. Normally, the maximum term of office for members of the Supervisory Board is two four-year terms. As the fund is switching to the new pension scheme in July, Mila Hoekstra will remain in office until 1 January 2027 and Jac. until 1 July 2027. This serves to prevent losing a large amount of experience all at once. Mila feels that’s right, too. "It’s great to be part of this transition and to see how everything falls into place and moves forward. What’s more, it’s a wonderful fund."
The Supervisory Board of TNO Pension Fund consists of:
- Ruud Kruijff (Chair)
- Mila Hoekstra
- Jac. Kragt
Read more about the structure of the Pension Fund (in Dutch).
“The biggest challenge was undoubtedly the Future Pensions Act. That was a real struggle for everyone."
Back to the start
She looks back on those early days with a smile. “I’m a real corporate pension fund person,” says Mila enthusiastically. In corporate pension funds, the organisational culture is always reflected in the nature of the fund. That is what really appeals to Mila and why she was determined to join the Supervisory Board of a corporate pension fund, such as the TNO Pension Fund. “At TNO Pension Fund, the culture is very project-oriented and meticulous, and communication is very open. You also notice that TNO staff are very inquisitive people. "That attitude makes working together a real pleasure and very effective." When Mila started in 2018, the difference was immediately noticeable. “The Board is always very interested in the added value we provide as supervisors, as we are often involved with several pension funds.”
Highlights and challenges
Over the course of eight years, Mila has witnessed first-hand how the Fund has grown and adapted. For example through the changes in the Board and management, which have always been completed smoothly. “The Board operates very professionally. After the CEO’s departure, Suzanne van Kooten proved a worthy successor. We maintain excellent, open relations with the Board and the Accountability Body,” says Mila.
“The biggest challenge was undoubtedly the Future Pensions Act. That was a real struggle for everyone," says Mila. The transition to the new pension scheme was a complex operation that placed heavy demands on both the Board and operations. Mila looks back on it with respect: "I feel that the Board has handled this with due care and transparency, with ample attention for communications to all involved. Any ambiguities or learning points were cleared up and communicated. This process is demanding for both operations and the Board. Things were also challenging when the Accountability Body issued its divided opinion, but that too was handled well.”
Governance as an area of expertise
Within the Supervisory Board, each member has their own area of expertise. Jac. specialises in asset management, whilst Ruud is an actuary and is versatile. Mila’s areas of expertise are legal affairs, communications and governance. That division of tasks made our collaboration both complementary and enjoyable. She also contributes a wealth of experience in pensions and has applied more structure in the meetings.
How did she actually end up working in the pensions sector? “As with many people, it was a bit of a coincidence.” Based on her background in corporate law and her interest in EU directives on labour relations and equal treatment, she became involved with pensions and has been fascinated by the subject ever since. She now has many years of experience and is involved with various pension funds.
“It is a great pleasure to be able to contribute to the TNO Pension Fund.”
“I’m a real corporate pension fund person”.
Pensions is everyone’s business
What really stands out is Mila’s commitment. She is convinced that supplementary pensions should be arranged on a collective basis. The gaps in the system, the role of the self-employed and certain sectors where no supplementary pension is accrued continue to be a concern for her. "I believe it is important to work towards preventing poverty in old age. That’s my biggest motivation."
What will she miss?
Mila will remain in office as a TNO Pension Fund Supervisory Board member for another six months. An extra six months, and then she’ll be leaving. She then leaves the TNO Pension Fund in good hands. Mila’s resolute answer when we ask what she will miss is clear: “The whole Fund. This is a great Fund to work with.”
The opinion on 2025
The opinion of the Supervisory Board is an important section of the annual report. So, would you like to know how the Supervisory Board rated TNO Pension Fund in 2025? You can read all about that in the annual report on page 102 (in Dutch).