The news that they had won the country nomination for investment strategy was greeted with enthusiasm from the head of the investment team. “We were delighted to receive the nomination,” says Annette Heise of the Nestlé PK.
“Meaning, as it did, that we were doing a good job. It was also recognition from an outside source, which is important for our members. They can see that we are doing a good job, and that they are members of a successful pension fund. A lot of work went into the submission, but we were
genuinely surprised to be named
as winners.” The Nestlé pension scheme is considered to be innovative, and in Germany something of a pioneer. “We were one of the first funds in Germany investing in equity following a systematic investment strategy,” says Heise. “We established our first special share fund in 1977.”
As pension reform takes place in Germany, the Nestlé fund continues to adapt in a dynamic fashion, including the upgrading of benefits making the fund flexible in its strategy and consequently more attractive to members.
The past few years have seen an extensive overhaul of capital investments, although initially dictated by yield-related considerations, it also added to the transparency of the administration.
“The fund is marked by its transparency, and we take the legal framework in which we have to work very seriously. We are also aware of the need to balance our risk management on behalf of our members. In Germany the legal provisions are very strict and supervision of the funds very tight, and these facts dictate
and influence the work which the management team have to do.”
So far as the awards are concerned, Heise welcomes the inaugural event and looks forward to future years. “The awards are an excellent idea, and serve two purposes. Firstly, they are recognition for the team, but more importantly they are the result of a neutral party taking a look at the work which we carry out over the year, “ she says.
“Winning suggests we are doing that work with diligence, and carrying out a good job. We consider the awards to be very prestigious, and are able to use the results as a marketing tool among our members.”

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