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Christian Klein

Professional Summary



Overview


Christian Klein is a seasoned business leader with a proven track record of driving digital transformation and strategic growth. As the Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Executive Board at SAP, he leverages his deep industry expertise and operational acumen to spearhead the company's global expansion and innovation initiatives. Additionally, he serves on the Supervisory Board at adidas, further demonstrating his diverse leadership experience and commitment to driving positive change across industries.

Experience Summary



Current Roles


Chief Operating Officer & Member of the Executive Board, SAP (2018-01-01 to 2021-07-01)
  • Oversees the overall operations and strategic direction of SAP, one of the world's leading enterprise software companies

  • Responsible for driving the company's transformation towards a cloud-centric business model, delivering innovative solutions to customers worldwide

  • Leads the execution of key initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and foster a culture of innovation


Member of the Supervisory Board, adidas (2020-08-01 to Present)
  • Provides strategic guidance and oversight to the supervisory board of the global sportswear brand

  • Leverages his extensive experience in digital transformation and operational excellence to contribute to adidas' ongoing evolution


Career Progression


Co-CEO, COO and Member of the Executive Board, SAP (2019-10-01 to 2020-04-01)
  • Served as the co-CEO of SAP, leading the company through a critical transition period alongside his counterpart

  • Maintained his responsibilities as COO, ensuring seamless continuity and implementation of SAP's strategic priorities


Chief Operating Officer & Member of the Executive Board, SAP (2018-01-01 to 2021-07-01)
  • Spearheaded the company's operational transformation, driving efficiency, scalability, and agility across global functions

  • Played a key role in accelerating SAP's cloud adoption and subscription-based business model, positioning the company for long-term success


Academic Background


Christian Klein holds a Master's degree in Business Information Systems from the University of Mannheim, Germany. He has continuously expanded his expertise through executive education programs and industry-specific training, ensuring his knowledge remains at the forefront of technological and business trends.

Areas of Expertise


  • Digital transformation and enterprise software

  • Operational excellence and process optimization

  • Strategic leadership and change management

  • Cloud computing and subscription-based business models

  • Talent development and organizational culture


Professional Impact


  • Led the successful transition of SAP's business model towards a cloud-centric, subscription-based approach, driving significant revenue growth and customer adoption

  • Implemented cutting-edge operational strategies and technologies to enhance productivity, agility, and customer satisfaction across SAP's global operations

  • Championed sustainability initiatives and corporate social responsibility efforts, positioning SAP as an industry leader in environmental and social impact


Conclusion


With his extensive experience in driving digital transformation and operational excellence, Christian Klein is a respected business leader poised to continue delivering exceptional results and shaping the future of the industries he serves. His strategic vision, technical expertise, and commitment to innovation make him a valuable asset to both SAP and the adidas Supervisory Board.