SAP begins anew without Hasso Plattner's leadership.
SAP's Annual General Meeting signifies the end of one chapter in the company's history with Hasso Plattner, one of its last remaining co-founders, stepping down as Chairman of the Supervisory Board. As he looks back at the successful journey they've had together, SAP has grown into the most valuable German company and a top-tier global player.
Plattner, aged 80, has served as Chairman since 2003 and will now be replaced by an old friend. Pekka Ala-Pietilä, a former Nokia executive, has been chosen to take up the position. The five friends who started SAP in 1972, Hasso Plattner, Dietmar Hopp, Claus Wellenreuther, Klaus Tschira, and Hans-Werner Hector, created one of the most successful software groups in the world.
SAP's CEO, Christian Klein, honored the legacy of this 80-year-old visionary. Klein stated, "SAP is the only world-class digital company in Europe." Crediting Plattner's leadership, Klein believes Germany needs more leaders like him.
The appointment of the new Chairman was a subject of controversy as it was delayed. Earlier plans saw Punit Renjen take over the position, but that never materialized. SAP announced in February that Renjen, the former head of Deloitte's consulting business, would no longer join the company. SAP did not disclose why Renjen resigned, but it was believed to be a disagreement over the role of the Supervisory Board's Chair. However, Plattner stood by the decision at the Annual General Meeting, stating that it was the correct choice.
The meeting also welcomed back Ala-Pietilä to the Walldorf-based company. The former Nokia President sat on SAP's Supervisory Board from 2002 to 2021 and has now resumed his role. Ala-Pietilä emphasized the importance of teamwork when running a global organization like SAP. Reflecting on his time with SAP, Plattner also agreed with the sentiment saying, "No one can keep the world running on their own." Plattner and his wife collectively own over six percent of SAP shares.
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SAP's upcoming digital transformation strategies might be discussed during the Annual General Meetings, considering the company's focus on digitization. The new Chairman, Pekka Ala-Pietilä, might share insights from his experience with software giants like SAP and Nokia, utilizing advanced software like SAP's solutions in his past roles.
Source: www.ntv.de
