Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK), which manages €122bn for Bavaria’s professional pension funds, has established a new unit to streamline strategic processes as it advances its 2030 strategy.
The division, called Strategy & Transformation, was set up to support the organisation in managing strategic initiatives.
BVK told IPE the unit functions as a “central strategy team” to manage strategic processes “methodically”.
“Its focus is on strategy implementation, ensuring transparency with regard to progress [made to implement the strategy] and to ensure the achievement of strategic goals,” the pension fund added.
Core tasks of Strategy & Transformation include annual reviews and refining the BVK 2030 strategy.
“Providing targeted support to individuals and the organisation during strategy implementation is its clear mission,” BVK said.
The team will gradually integrate the strategy within BVK’s existing structures as the pension fund positions itself to address megatrends such as new technologies and demographic change.
“Key focus areas include digitalisation and process automation to enhance digital interaction, as well as the targeted use of new technologies,” BVK added.
Expedition AI, launched by BVK’s Innovation Lab in 2024, has entered its next phase, with several departments testing the potential of artificial intelligence and the first AI applications being made available to employees.
Direction
BVK’s board and department heads have identified four strategic directions to 2030: finances, members & insured persons, processes, and potential, according to its 2025 financial statement.
The fund aims to deliver solid pension provision for its 2.8 million members and strengthen its position as an efficient, reliable partner for professional pension funds (Versorgungswerke).
BVK is under scrutiny for US real estate losses. Chair Axel Uttenreuther told Münchner Merkur that the fund booked €288m in losses by the end of November, leaving a further €565m at risk.
“We are currently still investigating the underlying facts regarding the relevant US real estate investments. We reserve all rights to take action, including a thorough examination of potential claims for damages. Wherever viable claims arise, we will pursue them,” BVK told IPE.
Lawyers are seeking a full review of BVK’s investments through a special audit.
“We have already instructed a lawyer expert in administrative law” to ultimately force BVK to disclose investments before a court, lawyer Peter Mattil told IPE.
Mattil and Peter Greger set up an interest group, Versorgungswerke – Interessengemeinschaft Versorgungswerke, to protect members’ interests in the case.
The lawyers are developing a methodology to calculate member damages with a financial mathematician.
“Once we know the extent of the damages and how many members support the claim, we will decide on a collective [form of] litigation, or other options,” he said.
