Félicie Weycker, chair of the Fonds Kirchberg. Photo: Eva Krins / Maison Moderne (archives)

Félicie Weycker, chair of the Fonds Kirchberg. Photo: Eva Krins / Maison Moderne (archives)

As part of the 10x6 New Risks, New Opportunities event organised by the Paperjam Club on Thursday 17 October, Félicie Weycker, chair of the Fonds Kirchberg, shares her journey and perspective.

Looking back, what events have impacted the way your company manages risks? What have been the consequences for your overall strategy?

Félicie Weycker: “The rise in interest rates over the past few years has made it more difficult for individuals to purchase homes. As the Fund struggled to sell its properties as easily as before, it managed to turn this risk into an opportunity. By maintaining a high construction pace to continue "producing" housing and supporting activity in the construction sector, it now pre-finances housing projects and offers these homes for rent rather than for sale.

What skills or traits do you consider essential for navigating a constantly evolving environment?

“Innovation, common sense, benevolence.

By anticipating future trends and potential risks, how does your company prepare to stay agile and seize new opportunities?

“Prudent cash management to ensure a certain level of financial independence, and increasing investment in rental housing. Additionally, using long-term leaseholds instead of full ownership and exercising pre-emption rights to maintain long-term control over land, and therefore over urban planning.”