Who are these people who consciously choose to work in the pension sector? What do they do all day for your pension? And what do they enjoy about their work? In 'The Person Behind Your Pension', a series on apg.nl, we take the reader behind the scenes. This episode features Michel Nijhuis (63), Data Protection Officer at APG.
What do you tell your friends about what you do at APG?
"Well, I don't talk about work with friends or only very generally. But if it comes up, I say that I ensure APG correctly applies and complies with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). I advise the organization on risks in data processing and report on these to our board and our funds. I operate independently, as a one-man faction within the company. In that way my role is unique within APG.”
Why is your work so important?
“The GDPR is serious business for APG. It's logical because it's important that everyone knows how to handle personal data responsibly and securely. Especially in a financial organization, where we work with sensitive data of participants, but also with that of our colleagues. This access to personal data offers many possibilities in terms of personalized services. At the same time, this brings a significant responsibility for APG. Clients, employers, participants, and employees should rightly trust that everyone handles their data with integrity, care, and confidentiality. If we fail to do this and data gets leaked, it can have major consequences. First and foremost for the individuals behind that data. But also for the reputation of APG and the funds. It could even result in fines from the regulator. In a worst-case scenario, our funds could decide to join an another party, causing us to lose our license to operate. We obviously want to avoid this at all costs.”
What has changed over time?
“Yes. I've been working for APG (and before 2008 at ABP) for about 35 years now. During that time, the organization and its services have changed in many ways. Previously, it was mostly about the files; nowadays, it's about the person behind the file. Additionally, you see trends over time: from decentralizing to centralizing, from employee-generalist to employee-specialist, and from doing things ourselves to outsourcing. It's almost a cyclical process within APG.”
And don't new technologies also provide a different dynamic?
“The rise of AI also brings changes that APG must prepare for. The GDPR, especially the recent European AI Act, plays an important role in this. This means APG must continually strive to improve and personalize its services. With the new pension system and strict duty of care, everyone's focus should be on participant satisfaction. Additionally, participants should trust that their pension is well managed by us. The interests of the funds and their participants are paramount.”
You are a lawyer and work at APG. What is your connection to pensions?
“Well, the same as anyone else. A pension is for a good life after your career. Professionally, I've been dealing with various pension laws my entire life: first for resistance participants, later for pension participants. I see myself more as a pragmatic lawyer. In my view, rules are a means to an end; the rule is not the end in itself.”
Could you please explain that?
“Traffic lights have an important function, namely ensuring safe traffic flow without accidents. But when it's quieter in the evening, after ten o'clock, those traffic lights are sometimes unnecessary and blink yellow. Then road users can act at their discretion. I think that's a good approach. But I also think: red means red. And a hundred is not a hundred and ten, just because you won't get caught. That's why I'm sometimes called Mr. No, but I think that's unfair. I always try to advise on what is and isn't allowed. Because not complying with laws and regulations brings serious risks and can have severe consequences for participants and employees, and thus for the funds and APG.”
Why did you specifically choose APG?
"I come from Heerlen, grew up in the district Bekkerveld. I used to play in the garden where the ABP building was later constructed. When I looked out of my bedroom window in my parents' house, I could see the ABP office. I always thought; I want to work there later. And I succeeded. And it is very meaningful. Interpreting regulations from their intent, not just from the letter of the law, and explaining this to colleagues, I see as the greatest challenge in my work."
