The Eternal Chairman

Hasso Plattner has many good qualities. The two most important are his unwavering determination to succeed, even in the face of the greatest opposition, and a visionary gift that allows him to recognize vague trends long before anyone else. Now, after many years of procrastination, delay and debate, Professor Hasso Plattner has resigned as chairman of the supervisory board.

According to an interview with Plattner in the German business magazine Wirtschaftswoche (WiWo), there is a consulting contract for him that is intended to keep the SAP co-founder's expertise at the global ERP market leader for the benefit of both parties. This contract could guarantee SAP access to Plattner's extensive knowledge while ensuring that Plattner retains a certain amount of influence. However, as WiWo reports, the deal has not yet been signed, and Plattner himself is unsure.

Beyond compliance, it has always been important for Hasso Plattner to influence the development of SAP. As CEO, it was necessary, right, and logical. As chairman of the supervisory board, his well-intentioned advice bordered on good corporate governance. For Professor Hasso Plattner, flawless compliance was not a priority, and the SAP Executive Board took a sporting view of crossing the line.

The dilemma regarding good corporate governance in the sense of relevant compliance at SAP did not begin with Hasso Plattner’s well-meaning advice, but with the composition of the Supervisory Board under Plattner's leadership.

Of course, board members are officially delegated or nominated by outside bodies, corporations, and interest groups, and then elected. So much for the theory. In practice, Hasso Plattner, as the largest single shareholder, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, and leading figure at SAP, has had and continues to have a lasting influence on the development of the global ERP market leader.

Hasso Plattner has influenced and controlled the composition of the Supervisory Board more than any other chairman. While other companies have for years hired specialized agencies to search for and select members of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board, at SAP what ultimately counted was Hasso Plattner's word and gut feeling.

Hasso Plattner has influenced and controlled the composition of the Supervisory Board more than any other chairman. While other companies have for years hired specialized agencies to search for and select members of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board, at SAP what ultimately counted was Hasso Plattner's word and gut feeling.

Plattner's dominance in appointing Executive Board and Supervisory Board members of course had its advantages and disadvantages. As a co-founder of SAP, Plattner has an almost infinite wealth of experience, but he also has a very intimate relationship with his SAP, which sometimes prevented him from taking a critical, constructive, and analytical view. Many of Plattner's personnel decisions were emotional acts of conviction. Many former friends, associates, and employees quickly found their way onto the Supervisory Board.