Singapore — SAP, the world’s leading provider of e-business software solutions today announced the appointment of two senior executives to its Asia Pacific management team. SAP Asia has appointed Ms Ruth Connolly, as the Senior Vice President, Marketing and Regional Support and Mr Chan Wai Leong, as the Managing Director for its Singapore operations. Ruth’s new appointment is a promotion from her current role as Managing Director for SAP India which she has held for the last two and a half years and Wai Leong was formerly the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, Asia Pacific at Gateway.
Ruth takes over from Martin Breuer who will be returning to Germany after completing a four-year assignment to take on new responsibilities at SAP’s corporate HQ. Ruth will continue in her current role as the Managing Director of SAP India.
Wai Leong will be taking over from Bob Armstrong, who was the Acting
Managing Director for SAP Singapore. Bob will continue his involvement in SAP Singapore and serve in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition. Bob will resume his responsibilities in the regional organization in the delivery of training and professional services.
Said Mr Les Hayman, President & CEO of SAP Asia Pacific, “SAP would like to thank Martin and Bob who have both made significant contributions to the development and growth of our Asia Pacific and Singapore operations. We wish them every success in their future endeavors.”
“We welcome Ruth and Wai Leong to their respective new roles at SAP. I am confident that Ruth will successfully spearhead our marketing, alliance and strategic industry developments in Asia to further extend our market leadership. An industry veteran, Ruth brings with her a considerable wealth of experience in marketing, operations and software business development,” said Mr Hayman.
“Similarly, Wai Leong’s in-depth experience will significantly boost our ability to penetrate new market segments and build stronger relationships with our key customers in Singapore. He brings to SAP his extensive management expertise in overseeing operations to provide the best customer experience possible. With these two senior appointments, SAP continues to deliver upon our high level of commitment to our Asia Pacific customers backed by a strong management team and dedicated professionals,” said Mr Hayman.
Prior to SAP, Ruth Connolly’s experience includes eight years in Asia where she headed Autodesk Asia and Sterling Commerce Asia to develop and expand their business presence in Asia. Ruth has held various line and management positions at General Electric’s Aircraft Engines and Power Systems businesses.
Chan Wai Leong was formerly the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, Asia Pacific at Gateway. He has over 17 years of broad industry
experience. At Gateway, he was responsible for generating new sources of revenues by entering new markets and embarking upon Internet-related ventures. He has also worked with some of the leading names in the industry such as Booz Allen and Hamilton, Singapore Airlines, and SRI International. As a principal at Booz Allen and Hamilton in Singapore, he headed up the regional Communications, Media and Technology practice. He was responsible for the strategic development and growth of the practice in terms of generating intellectual capital, building a client base and developing a professional team.
