SAP Names Hans-Peter Klaey to Lead Global Small and Midsize Enterprise (SME) Business Organization

In a move to further fuel its growing business among small and midsize enterprises (SMEs), SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that it has appointed Hans-Peter Klaey as president of Global SME, a new organizational unit overseeing sales, marketing, operations and alignment of resources dedicated to serving small and midsize customers. The appointment provides additional managerial focus and support to SAP’s SME efforts, and reflects the evolution of SAP’s go-to-market model to serve customers in increasing numbers through a multi-channel approach. Klaey will report to Léo Apotheker, president, Customer Solutions and Operations, and member of the SAP AG Executive Board.

Increasing its presence among small and midsize enterprises is a key driver of ongoing growth and a significant area of strategic investment for SAP. With SMEs currently accounting for approximately 65 percent of its total customer base, SAP is aggressively expanding its footprint in the segment by building its delivery channels and the world’s largest portfolio of business management software designed specifically to meet the market, industry and resource requirements of small and midsize businesses. In his new role, Klaey will collaborate with global and regional management and sales organizations to accelerate SAP’s SME efforts, including developing an integrated go-to-market strategy, with targeted programs for direct and indirect channels, and innovations in marketing and customer engagement for SMEs.

“The creation of a dedicated line of business to focus our worldwide activities and align our multiple go-to-market channels is a pivotal next step in realizing our SME growth ambitions,” Apotheker said. “Hans-Peter has a proven track record of driving results among companies of all sizes in key and emerging markets, and we look forward to the leadership and energy that he and the new global organization will bring to our SME business.”

Klaey has served as president and CEO of SAP Asia Pacific since January 2002, where he oversaw operations in the region, developed the leadership team and significantly advanced SAP’s business in diverse markets across the region. Succeeding him as regional president of SAP Asia Pacific will be Geraldine McBride, currently CEO and managing director of SAP Australia New Zealand

Klaey and McBride will assume their new roles effective Jan. 1, 2007.

Prior to his Asia-Pacific appointment, Klaey was managing director of SAP UK Limited, where he successfully grew SAP’s business in the UK, Ireland and Africa markets. Before that, he held sales and management positions at SAP Switzerland. Klaey joined SAP in 1996 and has two decades of experience in the IT industry. He studied mechanical engineering and business administration in Switzerland.