F ID I N E WS COMING FULL CIRCLE After eight years, Piet van Herk, Treasurer and FIDI Board member, is stepping down. He spoke to James Richards about his experiences on the Board, and his hopes for the future direction of the organisation It will be hard to step away, says Piet van Herk, FIDI Treasurer. It feels a bit like Im losing my job. Indeed, after holding the position of Treasurer for eight years, Van Herk could be forgiven for feeling that giving up his role is the end of an era. The roots of his career go back to the 1980s, when he owned a moving business with his brother. In time, this would be merged into Voerman International, based in The Netherlands. Our business was built on servant leadership, says Van Herk. This means taking responsibility for your areas and making them the best they can be. This is how I approached the role of FIDI Treasurer. Van Herk initially held the position of FIDI Netherlands President. Then, 10 years ago, the Board asked him to join the FIDI Finance Committee. One of our first jobs was to create a proposal for a netting system. It wasnt accepted then, but, ironically, the Associations are now asking for it. I kept the details from the first time around, and Ill be helping with this, even after I step down. I guess its come full circle. Two years later, Van Herk was invited to become FIDI Treasurer. Reflecting on the role now, he believes it works best as a long-term position. You have to work intensely with the FIDI office, and you provide continuity. In my time, Ive served five Presidents and three Secretary Generals. A great deal has changed in the industry during his tenure, with the continuing rise of RMCs, lower volumes and reduced profit PIET VAN HERK, OUTGOING TREASURER AND FIDI BOARD MEMBER margins. FIDI has to change to keep pace with this. Im in favour of opening up to RMCs and offering more services, where possible. Van Herk sees FAIM as crucial in keeping members up to date. FAIM has made FIDI what it is today. Twenty-five years ago, you could become a member by just doing a certain number of international moves per year. Today, you have to be certified on competence, quality, management, experience, data protection the lot. However, we must already look towards FAIM 4.0, otherwise the certification will lose its relevance. The new financial assessment may cost FIDI some Affiliates, but it will provide a lot of data about ratios globally, which is important information. Equally, Van Herk is excited to see DSP training being offered by the FIDI Academy. Weve tried this on a previous occasion, and it wasnt accepted by the Association. However, Im glad were bringing this to our Affiliates now, and it will put FIDI in the driving seat in the industry. When asked what his legacy might be, Van Herk is keen to underline the importance of people, rather than one individual. Good processes are established by teams, not just one person. What Im most proud of, however, is rejuvenating the FIDI office. Over my eight years, weve built a new team and brought the FAIM Coordination Centre in-house. After stepping down, Van Herk has no intention of disappearing from view. I wont be far away; and the communication channels will be open, for sure. He adds: Ill be doing some work for the local Association in the Netherlands and Im part of a commission looking into government Request for Proposals, which involves suppliers, customers and the trade union. Im also involved in many charity funds, which is fun work. So, Ill have my hands full, no doubt. Our business was built on servant leadership. This means taking responsibility for your areas and making them the best they can be. This is how I approached the role of FIDI Treasurer Reason Global Insurance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 12 FF291JunJul19 pp12-13 FIDI news.indd 12 WWW. F I D I . OR G 10/05/2019 15:17