Benne van Popta has been named the new chair of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority’s (EIOPA) pensions stakeholder group, IPE has learned.

The 30-strong Occupational Pensions Stakeholder Group (OPSG) also elected Matti Leppälä, currently secretary general of PensionsEurope, as vice-chair during yesterday’s first meeting of the new OPSG in Frankfurt.

Van Popta was previously vice-chair during the inaugural term of the OPSG chaired by Chris Verhaegen.

Verhaegen remains a member of the group, to which 14 new members were appointed at the beginning of October, representing employee interests.

The source added that the first meeting of the new OPGS discussed the workload for the coming two and a half years, covering expected further consultations initiated by EIOPA on the holistic balance sheet.

The source also cited “recognition” of the need to focus on defined contribution funds and personal pensions – falling under the banner of consumer protection.

New chair Van Popta is a former co-chairman of the VB, the Dutch industry-wide pension fund association and, since 2011, has acted as employers’ chairman at the €47.1bn mechanical engineering scheme PMT.

Previously, he was chairman of the retail sector pension fund.

He spent 13 years working at the Dutch Ministry of Finance, after studying macroeconomics and public finance.