The SAP Supervisory Board, synonymous with technological innovation and strategic business decisions, is entering a new era. The Board of Directors of SAP SE proposed the candidacy of Pekka Ala-Pietilä, a person well known in the European innovation and technology sector, for a two-year term as a new member. The committee further designated him as the likely successor of the widely respected president, prof. Dr. Hass Plattner.
SAP SE stands as one of the most well-known and respected entities in the computer software industry, with a global presence. Oversight of the operations of this conglomerate is a huge responsibility that lies with the Supervisory Board of SAP. From making strategic decisions to monitoring executive actions, the Board effectively dictates the course of SAP’s growth and has been instrumental in making it a global leader in business software. Since its inception, SAP has been skillfully led by experienced technocrats and industry experts, with prof. Dr. Hass Plattner at the helm for almost two decades.
Change in leadership: the incredible tenure of Prof. Dr. Hass Plattner
Since he assumed the position of president in 2003, prof. Dr. Hasso Plattner has been instrumental in steering SAP’s course, nurturing the company along its path and leading it to continued success. Under his insightful leadership, SAP made tremendous strides in the software industry. Filling his shoes is no small task. However, the proposed successor, Ala-Pietilä, is no stranger to occupying significant roles in the technology industry.
At the same time, after Punit Renjen was initially chosen as the successor as president, different perspectives on the role of management led to a mutual agreement that Renjen step down from the SAP supervisory board. This decision will take effect after the conclusion of the annual general meeting on May 15, 2024, paving the way for new leadership.
Pekka Ala-Pietilä, aged 67, already has an impressive record in the world of technology. The former chairman of Nokia Corporation between 1999 and 2005, he was also part of the supervisory board of SAP from 2002 to 2021. His experience extends to the position of chairman of the European Commission’s High Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence from 2018 to 2020 and President of the Finnish Artificial Intelligence Program from 2017-2019.
Further strengthening his credentials, Ala-Pietilä currently holds positions on a number of European corporate boards, including as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of HERE Technologies, a Dutch multinational location intelligence company. This combination of rich experience, strategic vision and comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the technology industry and European SE management positions him as an excellent candidate for the role of Chairman of the SAP Supervisory Board.
A significant transition in the Supervisory Board of SAP
Prof. Dr. Plattner expressed confidence in Ala-Pietilä’s ability to lead SAP into its future, appreciating his continued support during key moments for SAP and recognizing his deep understanding of the industry. Despite the changes, thanks go to the outgoing president, Punit Renjen, for his tireless dedication and significant contribution to SAP.
Ala-Pietilä expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to rejoin this European technology leader at such an important time. He notes the work of the talented individuals at SAP, who have positioned the company at the forefront of global business technology over the past 50 years. As the company continues to pioneer the development and implementation of business artificial intelligence (AI), Ala-Pietilä looks forward to contributing to SAP’s track record of delivering transformative technology that delivers meaningful results.
As SAP’s supervisory board prepares for this transition, it carries the hopes and expectations of its stakeholders. The story of Ala-Pietilä’s tenure will unfold in the years to come, but one thing is certain: the future promises exciting times for the SAP Supervisory Board as it embraces this new chapter in its journey.