Our corporate governance structure is based on German legal protocol, and we adhere to the rules and principles of the German Corporate Governance Code. Management and supervisory functions are segregated into two distinct bodies: the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board is led by the chairperson and approves the members of the Executive Board, who in turn lead the company. Members of one body are not allowed to be part of the other. Germany’s unique corporate laws of co-determination provide for employee participation on the Supervisory Board.
Supervisory Board committees include:
- General Committee
- Compensation Committee
- Finance and Investment Committee
- Audit Committee
- Technology and Strategy Committee
- Mediation Committee
- Nomination Committee
- Special Committee
The General Shareholders’ Meeting, a shareholders organization, provides additional governance oversight. Find more detail on our Supervisory Board and corporate governance practices at www.sap.com/corpgovernance.
Since 2006, SAP employees in Germany are represented by a works council, and the executive board is committed to working constructively with this representative group. The works council also includes union members. The works council has the right to be consulted on the topics of e.g. individual HR actions, IT processes and privacy protection, talent development, payment and benefits, equal opportunities, or health and safety. SAP’ management team is in a constant dialogue with the works council.
Additionally, a global Employee Sounding Board guarantees a global representation of our employees.
