SAP Appoints Sebastian Steinhaeuser to Executive Board and Extends Thomas Saueressig’s Contract Amid Strategic Leadership Updates
In a significant move to bolster its leadership team and accelerate its transformation journey, SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) has announced the appointment of Sebastian Steinhaeuser to the SAP Executive Board. Additionally, the company has extended the contract of Thomas Saueressig, Executive Board Member and head of Customer Services & Delivery, for another three years until 2028. These changes are part of SAP’s broader efforts to strengthen its organizational structure and drive its AI-first, Suite-first strategy.
Sebastian Steinhaeuser Joins SAP Executive Board to Lead Strategy & Operations
Sebastian Steinhaeuser (39) will join the SAP Executive Board on February 1, 2025, leading a newly formed board area called Strategy & Operations. This role underscores SAP’s commitment to executing its corporate strategy effectively while simplifying internal operations to enhance efficiency and customer experience. Steinhaeuser’s responsibilities will include driving SAP’s strategic initiatives both internally and externally, ensuring alignment across the organization, and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders.
The creation of the Strategy & Operations board area reflects SAP’s focus on delivering value to customers and partners through streamlined processes and innovative solutions. By integrating Global Marketing, led by newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Ada Agrait, into this framework, SAP aims to create a cohesive digital experience that resonates with its global audience.
“Since joining SAP in 2020, Sebastian Steinhaeuser has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing our corporate strategy,” said Pekka Ala-Pietilä, chairman of the Supervisory Board of SAP SE. “We believe Sebastian is not just a leader but the architect of a future where innovation meets impact. On behalf of the SAP Supervisory Board, I wish him every success in his new role.”
Steinhaeuser brings extensive experience to his new position. Before joining SAP, he worked with the Boston Consulting Group, supporting companies in their corporate and digital transformation journeys. At SAP, he has held various leadership roles, including Chief Strategy Officer and, most recently, Chief Strategy & Operating Officer, where he oversaw business operations, processes, IT, and ecosystem functions.
Thomas Saueressig’s Contract Extended to Drive Continued Success
The SAP Supervisory Board has also extended the contract of Thomas Saueressig, reaffirming its confidence in his leadership. As head of Customer Services & Delivery, Saueressig has been instrumental in accelerating SAP customers’ transition to the cloud, ensuring seamless adoption of SAP solutions, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
“Thomas Saueressig’s contributions have been critical to our success,” added Ala-Pietilä. “We look forward to his continued leadership as we advance our mission to help businesses thrive in the digital age.”
Formation of SAP’s Extended Board to Strengthen Strategic Execution
In addition to these leadership appointments, SAP is forming an Extended Board, comprising senior leaders from across the organization. This advisory body will play a crucial role in driving the execution of SAP’s AI-first, Suite-first strategy, leveraging global expertise to align initiatives and ensure smooth operations. While the SAP Executive Board remains the ultimate managing body, the Extended Board will provide strategic guidance and foster collaboration across regions and functions.
Key members of the Extended Board include:
- Ada Agrait, Chief Marketing Officer
- Michael Ameling, General Manager, Business Technology Platform
- Sebastian Behrendt, Head of Global Finance
- Jan Gilg, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Americas & Global Business Suite
- Philipp Herzig, Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Thomas Pfiester, Head of Global Customer Engagement
- Emmanuel Raptopoulos, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), APAC/EMEA/MEE
- Monika Schaller, Chief Communications Officer
New Leadership Roles to Drive Innovation and Customer Success
SAP has introduced several new leadership roles to support its growth objectives:
- Philipp Herzig as Global CTO: In addition to his current role as Chief AI Officer, Philipp Herzig will serve as SAP’s global Chief Technology Officer (CTO). He will oversee SAP’s technology strategy, innovation, research, and corporate development, ensuring the continued success of SAP’s Business AI and Sustainability initiatives.
- Co-CROs Jan Gilg and Emmanuel Raptopoulos: To deepen customer engagement and deliver tailored solutions, SAP has appointed two Chief Revenue Officers (CROs):
- Jan Gilg, currently president and chief product officer for Cloud ERP, will oversee SAP Americas and the Global SAP Business Suite.
- Emmanuel Raptopoulos, regional president of SAP EMEA, will manage the SAP EMEA, MEE, and APAC regions.
These appointments reflect SAP’s commitment to combining strong product expertise with exceptional sales capabilities to address customer challenges and drive sustained success.
A Unified Vision for the Future
All leadership changes will take effect on February 1, 2025, marking a new chapter in SAP’s evolution. By aligning its leadership structure with its strategic priorities, SAP is well-positioned to deliver on its promise of innovation, simplification, and customer-centricity.
As SAP continues to navigate the complexities of the digital era, these updates demonstrate the company’s dedication to fostering a culture of collaboration, driving technological advancements, and empowering businesses worldwide. With a renewed focus on AI, sustainability, and operational excellence, SAP is poised to lead the next wave of enterprise transformation.
