#Germany #SAP SE #Sebastian Steinhaeuser #Thomas Saueressig #Waldorf

Sebastian Steinhaeuser Appointed to SAP Executive Board

In a significant reshuffle within its corporate leadership, SAP SE has officially announced the appointment of Sebastian Steinhaeuser as a member of its Executive Board. At the age of 39, Steinhaeuser, who has been instrumental in reshaping the company's strategic vision since he joined in 2020, will head a newly created division named Strategy Operations. This strategic move is aimed at furthering SAP's long-term goals while simplifying its operational processes.

The SAP Supervisory Board, in conjunction with this appointment, has extended the contract of Thomas Saueressig, who oversees Customer Services and Delivery, for an additional three years, set to expire in 2028. This indicates SAP's continued commitment to strong leadership as it navigates the evolving technological landscape.

A Strategic Focus on Simplification and Transformation

The establishment of the Strategy Operations board is a direct response to the ongoing need for streamlined operations within the company. The board is expected not only to uphold internal and external strategy execution but also to refine and simplify existing business operations. The formation of this board coincides with SAP's ambition to weave artificial intelligence and a first-suite approach into its corporate fabric, ensuring alignment with critical initiatives.

Steinhaeuser’s ascent to this pivotal role reflects his exceptional contribution to the firm. Previously, he served as the Chief Strategy Officer, where he excelled in areas such as Business Transformation Management and Sustainability. His most recent position involved overseeing business operations, processes, and IT, as well as ecosystem and commercial functions. Prior to his tenure at SAP, Steinhaeuser was part of Boston Consulting Group, where he supported various companies in their transformation efforts.

Key Organizational Changes and New Roles

As part of restructuring, SAP revealed that it will also redefine several key roles within its leadership. Philipp Herzig has been appointed as the global Chief Technology Officer (CTO) while retaining his responsibilities as Chief AI Officer. Herzig’s focus will be on overseeing SAP's technology strategy and fostering innovation across the organization, particularly within the realms of Business AI and Sustainability.

Additionally, the company announced the appointments of Jan Gilg and Emmanuel Raptopoulos as the new Chief Revenue Officers (CROs). They will take charge of managing SAP’s customer success initiatives, emphasizing a strong link between product innovation and sales experience to better interact and understand customer needs. Gilg will oversee the Americas and Global SAP Business Suite, while Raptopoulos will focus on the EMEA, MEE, and APAC regions.

These organizational adjustments are set to take effect on February 1, 2025, marking a new chapter in SAP’s strategic vision and operational efficiency. The company’s leadership is optimistic that these changes will not only enhance the overall customer experience but also simplify internal workings to sustain growth and innovation.

Looking Ahead: A Future Focused on Innovation

Emphasizing transformative leadership, Pekka Ala-Pietilä, chairman of the SAP Supervisory Board, expressed confidence in Steinhaeuser's ability to steer SAP towards an impactful future where innovation drives success. He stated, “Sebastian is not just a leader but the architect of a future where innovation meets impact.”

Meanwhile, Thomas Saueressig's continued role is seen as crucial for supporting the company's cloud transition efforts, demonstrating SAP's commitment to enhancing its customers' journey toward modernization.

As SAP strives to maintain its position as a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, these leadership changes reflect a strategic pivot that aims to blend innovation with operational excellence. For more information and updates, stakeholders can visit SAP's News Center or follow them on Twitter at @SAPNews.