Leadership Change at PFTSA: Natalia Lacle Takes Over as Managing Director
Oranjestad – After a tenure of nearly four and a half years as Executive Director at PFTSA, Marion Agunbero has announced his departure. Effective June 1st, 2024, he hands over the reins of the Pension Fund Tourism Sector Aruba to Natalia Lacle.
Since joining PFTSA on November 1, 2019, Agunbero has worked closely with the Executive Board, office colleagues, and stakeholders of the fund. During his tenure, he focused on enhancing the organization and implementing robust governance structures.
Under his leadership, PFTSA introduced three committees dedicated to Investment, Audit, and Risk & Compliance, bolstered by the appointment of Compliance and Risk Officers. These measures were part of ongoing efforts to meet regulatory standards, with policies and procedures continually refined with the guidance of external advisors.
One of the significant challenges faced by PFTSA during Agunbero’s tenure was navigating the economic impact of the pandemic. The fund took immediate action to ensure financial stability, maintaining solvency above regulatory requirements. Post-pandemic, PFTSA expanded its team, upgraded salary structures, and collaborated with other pension funds and government entities to advocate for policy reforms in the pension sector.
Under Agunbero’s stewardship, PFTSA experienced growth, welcoming 1,930 participants from 30 local companies since 2019. The fund now operates under a comprehensive Strategic Investment Policy, guiding its current investment decisions and future vision outlined in the 2024-2026 strategic plan, approved and implemented under his tenure.
Agunbero expressed confidence in the current team’s ability to continue leading PFTSA, now under Natalia Lacle’s direction. Lacle, who joined as Pension Manager in October 2020, brings a wealth of experience in insurance and a strong educational background in risk management and compliance, making her well-suited to lead PFTSA into its next phase.
Recently, PFTSA conducted its annual General Assembly via Zoom, chaired by both outgoing and incoming Executive Directors, moderated by Shrayelle Giel. Founded in 1992 through a collaboration between the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association and the FTA workers’ union, PFTSA continues to fulfill its mission of providing additional retirement benefits to workers in the tourism industry beyond government pensions.
The transition between Agunbero and Lacle signifies a continuity of leadership aimed at furthering PFTSA’s commitment to its members and stakeholders in the tourism sector of Aruba.
