Sparring at Strategic Level: André Kok (SPW) on Working with Avida International

The challenges facing the Dutch pension sector are numerous and pressing – especially in the midst of a far-reaching system transition. André Kok, newly appointed Policy Analyst at Stichting Pensioenfonds voor de Woningcorporaties (SPW), found himself right in the thick of it. To support his transition into this pivotal role, he engaged in a sparring and coaching trajectory with Gerben Schreurs of Avida International. A process that provided not just strategic direction, but also practical reinforcement in a complex governance environment.

A new mandate, a new dynamic

With a shift in responsibilities came a shift in working style. Where André was previously used to having full decision-making authority, his new role required him to present matters to the board – which makes the final call. “That took some adjusting,” he reflects. “Gerben helped me understand what the board really needs: clarity, structure, and materials that guide rather than confuse.”

The engagement with Avida was initiated to support this new role. What began as a practical need grew into a structured collaboration where experience and strategic insight went hand in hand.

From theory to tailored tools

Together, André and Gerben worked on practical questions:

• How do you shape a modern outsourcing policy?
• What does effective oversight look like in practice?
• And how do you frame complex issues in a way that facilitates board decision-making?

These questions became all the more relevant as SPW, following APG’s decision to focus exclusively on ABP, must now select a new asset manager.

The knowledge Avida brought to the table was partly drawn from its leadership of the Strategic Outsourcing in the Pensions Sector executive programme at Nyenrode Business University. But what André valued most was how Gerben translated that theory into usable, context-specific tools: “They were practical, concrete, and immediately relevant to my day-to-day work.”

“It was refreshing to speak with someone who knows the sector inside out, but isn’t involved in the day-to-day workings of our fund.

That perspective led to sharper questions and unexpected insights.”

Balancing agility and continuity

A recurring theme throughout the sessions was the challenge of balancing long-term goals with day-to-day demands – something many pension funds are grappling with as they navigate the WTP transition. “You need to keep the system running, implement new frameworks, and contribute to strategic decision-making – all at once,” says André. “What I found especially valuable was the opportunity to reflect on why I was encountering certain issues. The highly concrete and practical advice Gerben gave in those moments proved both effective and directly applicable.”

“Gerben helped me not only to understand complex concepts from the integrity and risk framework – like SIRA and integrity risks – but also to apply them in a practical, workable way.”

A key moment in the trajectory came when it became clear that the biggest hurdles weren’t necessarily about content, but about how one responds when things are uncertain. “What I noticed,” Gerben recalls, “is that André would sometimes freeze when situations felt unclear – holding back and looking to others for direction. Once we recognised that pattern, we were able to work with it.” That awareness – and the tools to deal with it – proved to be a turning point in how André now approaches complexity and ambiguity.

Supervision vs. intervision

Beyond the practical focus, the sessions also offered room to pause and reframe. Gerben encouraged André to stay actively connected with peers – particularly with colleagues at other midsize pension funds. “That peer exchange is so valuable. You recognise each other’s challenges and learn from each other’s solutions.”

According to André, that’s also what made this form of support so effective: “The pensions sector is used to supervision. But this was more like intervision – a space to reflect, challenge, and stay sharp. Invaluable, especially when you’re in a pivotal role.”

Interested to learn more?
If your pension fund is navigating role transitions, strategic change, or operational complexity, consider working with an experienced sparring partner.
Not to take over the work – but to do it smarter, together.