SAP cloud manager resigns after 27 years of seniority

BERLIN (Reuters) – The SAP software group has announced that the leader of his group on the cloud had left office, the latest in a series of important departures, while the most valuable technology group of the day. Europe is reorganizing its activities.

Robert Enslin, who joined SAP in 1992 and has been on the board since 2014, was predicted by some as potential successor to CEO Bill McDermott, but he left to seize an unspecified opportunity elsewhere.

During his two years at the helm of the Cloud Group, Enslin helped build SAP's cloud portfolio, including its $ 8 billion deal last year to purchase Qualtrics, which specializes in morale monitoring. Internet users.

SAP did not say it was getting any benefit.

Enslin's release follows other high-profile departures, including Bjoern Goerke, technical director and head of SAP's cloud platform business, and Bernd Leukert, director of the board who led global service and support.

Rich Heilman and Thomas Jung, two highly respected programming gurus by SAP developers, said last month that they have been fired by SAP, but have now found new roles and remain, said a spokesman. of the society.

The departures reflect McDermott's stated ambition to turn SAP into a digital platform company, but the departure of long-time, well-regarded staff, with extensive expertise, risks alienating their business. Principal clients.

SAP announced that in January, approximately 4,400 people would leave their premises as part of a restructuring. His rival, Oracle, has also announced layoffs and some of his top talent has moved to Google.

SAP shares have been steadily increasing in recent weeks, while their lowest level in nine months was 83.95 euros on 3 January. They closed at 102.5 euros on Friday, down 1.1% on the day.

According to SAP, board member Jennifer Morgan, who joined the company in 2004 and recently co-led SAP's global customer operations, will succeed Enslin as president of the cloud management group with imminent effect.

Adair Fox-Martin will take sole responsibility for global customer operations as president.

In a tweet, Enslin said, "Although my term with #SAP is over, my personal conviction and public advocacy of SAP's innovation and vision to help the world work better will never be. Thank you … dear colleagues for 27 spectacular years. "

SAP will release its results for the first quarter as scheduled on April 24.