Early Life
Hans-Werner Hector was born on January 17, 1940, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He studied mathematics at the University of Saarland, graduating with a degree in 1966.
Rise to Success
Hector began his career at IBM in Mannheim. It was during this time that he and his colleagues recognized the potential of standard software for business management. In 1972, he co-founded SAP (Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing) with Hasso Plattner, Klaus Tschira, Dietmar Hopp, and Claus Wellenreuther. SAP was initially focused on developing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and it quickly grew into a global leader. After the IPO, Hector oversaw the development of SAP's US business.
Key Business Strategies
A key to SAP's early success was its commitment to providing standardized software packages for real-time data processing and reporting. The company responded to the internet and new economy by launching its mySAP.com strategy. SAP expanded into mobile technology, database technology, and cloud. To facilitate this, SAP acquired several competitors, including Business Objects and Ariba.
Philanthropy
Hans-Werner Hector and his wife, Josephine, are known for their philanthropic activities. They established the H.W. & J. Hector Foundation, which supports art and culture, promotes health, assists the socially disadvantaged, and, most notably, funds science and education. In 2003, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Karlsruhe for his contributions to the Hector Seminars, which he initiated. The Hectors have donated millions to various causes, including the renovation of a city museum.