SAP flips Australian leadership again

Software behemoth SAP has flipped its antipodean leadership again, announcing Damien Bueno will become president and managing director for Australia and New Zealand, with incumbent Colin Brookes stepping down after just a year.

A statement issued by the company said Brookes was moving from the Australian leadership role "to pursue another opportunity with SAP globally.”

Brookes’ departure follows a similarly short tenure by previous country chief Jon Ruthven, who departed the company after less than 18 months in the role, with chief operating officer Jim Fischer also leaving in October 2016.

Bueno ascends from his role as vice president for strategic industries and markets for ANZ, with the statement from SAP crediting him as having “pioneered a co-investment model with the Australian Government, to better support it with its digital engagement with citizens.”

He will report directly to Russell.

In November 2017 SAP, inked a $42 million whole of government deal with the Digital Transformation Agency that spans four years.

Federally, Human Services and Defence remain key SAP clients, along with scores of other state and commonwealth agencies.

The Commonwealth Bank also remains a marquee customer courtesy of its core banking overhaul.

Despite musical chairs, Australia remains a key market according to Scott Russell, SAP’s president for Asia Pacific Japan, “having become a $1 billion business and delivering 22 percent year over year cloud business growth.”

That growth has not recently translated to local profit however, with SAP filing a $140 million loss with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission for 2017.

The German giant’s new local leader is chipper about future prospects down under prospects.

“Our customers are asking more and more of us each day, as they deal with the opportunities and disruptions that their respective industries throw at them,” Bueno said.

“As a valued partner to help our customers succeed in today’s digital economy, it has never been a better time to be at SAP.”