Hasso Plattner

In 1972, Hasso Plattner and four colleagues departed from IBM to launch SAP, a move that established a foundational presence in the global software industry. Born in Berlin in 1944, he subsequently built a career defined by software engineering, corporate governance, and a significant philanthropic commitment to scientific research, education, and the preservation of Impressionist art.

Corporate Career and SAP

Plattner completed his studies at the University of Karlsruhe in 1968 before joining IBM. Following his departure to establish SAP in 1972, he served as a co-chief executive starting in 1998 alongside Henning Kagermann. After stepping down from this role in 2003, he transitioned to the position of chairman of the supervisory board, a role he maintained until 2024. Throughout his tenure, he played a central role in corporate governance, including the 2019 appointment of co-CEOs Jennifer Morgan and Christian Klein. As of 2020, he held a 5.89% stake in the firm.

THE FREE TEST

How high is yours?

Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.

Take the IQ test →

Research and Academic Contributions

In 1998, he founded the Hasso Plattner Institute for software systems engineering at the University of Potsdam. He serves as a director and professor of Enterprise Systems at the facility, which also operates in Palo Alto. His financial commitment to the institute has grown to over €200 million. In 2005, he donated $35 million to establish the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University. He also committed €10 million to the library of the University of Mannheim in 2003.

Philanthropy and Cultural Patronage

Plattner signed The Giving Pledge in 2013 and established the Hasso Plattner Foundation in 2015, which is based at Villa Wunderkind in Potsdam. His cultural activities include the establishment of the Museum Barberini and Das Minsk. In 2019, he purchased a Monet Meules painting for $110.7 million. Additionally, he provided over €20 million for the reconstruction of the historic exterior of the Potsdam Stadtschloss. His health-related philanthropy includes supporting HIV/AIDS programmes at the universities of KwaZulu Natal and Cape Town, including the Isombululo programme.

Sporting and Investment Interests

Plattner’s interests extend to professional sports and hospitality. He is an investor in San Jose Sports & Entertainment Enterprises, which manages the SAP Center and the San Jose Sharks. He acquired the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club in 1994, which includes courses designed by Gary Player, and the CordeValle Golf Club. In sailing, his yacht, the maxZ86, won the Barn Door trophy at the 2005 Transpacific Yacht Race. He also won the German Dragon Championship in 2013.