Petra Hielkema appointed chair of EIOPA

The Council yesterday adopted a decision to appoint Petra Hielkema as the chairperson of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA).

The Council adopted this decision based on the shortlist of candidates for the position of chairperson drawn up by EIOPA’s board of supervisors and following confirmation by the European Parliament. In agreement with EIOPA and her current employer, De Nederlandsche Bank (the Dutch national central bank), Ms Hielkema will take over this role from 1 September 2021 for a period of five years. This term may be extended once.

Background

EIOPA is one of three European financial supervisory authorities which form part of the European system of financial supervision (ESFS) introduced in 2010 to address the risks revealed by the 2007-2008 financial crisis. It is an independent advisory body to the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Its mission is to protect the public interest by contributing to ensuring the stability and effectiveness of the financial system for the EU’s economy, businesses and people. This is achieved by promoting a sound regulatory framework for and supervision of insurance and occupational pensions sectors in Europe.

Curriculum Vitae

Petra Hielkema is currently director for insurance supervision at the Dutch central bank, where she is responsible for the prudential supervision of the Dutch insurance sector. She holds a European Master’s in law and economics and a Master’s in Russian studies.