Press Release – Zeist, 01 December 2020
Willem van Duin to step down as Chairman of the Executive Board, Vice-Chair Bianca Tetteroo appointed as successor in April 2021
Willem van Duin will step down as Chairman of the Executive Board of Achmea in April 2021 and the current Vice-Chair, Bianca Tetteroo, is to be appointed as his successor. Willem van Duin will step down from his role after more than seventeen years on the Executive Board, more than twelve of which as Chairman. In addition, Chief Financial Officer, Michel Lamie, is to be appointed as Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board with effect from April 2021.
Aad Veenman, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Achmea: “For decades Willem van Duin has been of great value to Achmea. During his extensive career of almost thirty-four years, he has been involved and important in numerous large change processes. His high level of commitment and expertise have shaped Achmea into the group it is today: the leading, cooperative financial services provider with strong brands, a leader in mobile and online services with a clear strategy targeted at contributing to a healthy, safe and future-proof society. Although we regret Willem van Duin’s departure, the Supervisory Board respects his decision to step down. At the same time, it is great that the appointment of Bianca Tetteroo offers us a more than a qualified successor, who has a great deal of executive experience and who also comes from our own organisation. This secures the continuity of leadership for the future and places the management of Achmea in very good hands.”
Willem van Duin: “Throughout my career, I have put all my energy and focus into working for Achmea and the social role we want to fulfil as a cooperative insurer. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Achmea is a magnificent company that creates additional value for our customers and for society every day. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the great working relationship I have had with so many fine colleagues. When I look back, I see a business that over the years has always been there for its customers when they needed it, and more recently, has increasingly launched innovative services. In line with changing customer requirements, Achmea has also adapted at speed, which has enabled it to remain relevant to this day. We now have a completely different group with a clear strategy for the years ahead, which means that I can hand over the reins as Chairman with confidence. I am very pleased with the appointment of Bianca as my successor on the Executive Board. During her career at Achmea, where she has been for over twelve years now, she has proved to be a very professional, competent and above all engaged executive. Thanks in part to the experience she has gained, I am fully confident that she will be successful in her new role.”
Bianca Tetteroo, intended Chair of the Executive Board of Achmea: “During his long career, Willem van Duin has played a crucial role at Achmea. My close working relationship with him has been very inspiring and his strong commitment will certainly be missed. I am grateful to him for the opportunities I have been given and also thank the Supervisory Board for the trust it has placed in me. Willem is handing over a business with incredibly strong and healthy foundations and a social mission: we want to create value for our customers and for society based on our cooperative identity. I look forward to continuing this mission as Chair of the Executive Board with great energy and alongside all my colleagues.”
The Supervisory Board will consider the filling of the vacancy on the Executive Board created by the departure of Willem van Duin. Willem van Duin started his career at Achmea in 1987. He has held a variety of positions at Achmea, including in the Health, Non-life, Brokerage and Direct divisions. He joined Achmea’s Executive Board in January 2004. He was appointed Vice-Chairman in October 2008 and Chairman in February 2009.
Bianca Tetteroo is a business administrator and ‘registeraccountant’ and joined Achmea in 2009, where she was Chair of the Pension & Life division between 2012 and 2015. She joined the Executive Board in June 2015 and was appointed Vice-Chair in January 2020.
