Hello CEO: Antti Soini, SAP

On October 1 last year, Chris Berry left his role as CEO of SAP Swedish and retired. His successor Antti Soini describes three clear focus areas where SAP wants to support customers with new business models and processes.

- Not least, it's about business transformation and moving to the cloud. We are also working hard to ensure that customers have more flexible supply chains - with networks of companies and suppliers, rather than being limited by doing everything themselves. The third focus area is, not surprisingly, sustainability. Here, SAP not only has the tools to measure and drive sustainability, but we also practice what we preach.

How is SAP working to promote inclusion and secure the need for tech skills?

- There is a lot going on right now in our ecosystem of customers and partners. The market remains very hot and there is an obvious risk of a shortage of SAP skilled consultants. We have therefore launched a number of different programs, including a consultant training during the summer, and will increase capacity in the coming years. This is a long-term investment on SAP's part," says Soini, who is keen to recommend that students consider a career as an SAP consultant.

- It's an interesting job, working with the best companies in the world and helping them to become even better. Diversity and inclusion are close to my heart and part of my core values. I want SAP Svenska to be a great place to work for everyone. We have colleagues from 18 countries with different backgrounds and ages.And it should be fun. When we have an inclusive culture where employees thrive, we also become a more attractive employer in the market.

There is a shortage of 70,000 IT specialists in Sweden. What action would you like to see from the industry?

- All around the country, companies are working hard to meet all the new challenges in the world and all the increasing demands for long-term sustainability. This transition is necessary and requires major investments in innovation and new technologies - which is why the lack of so many specialists in the industry is a growing problem.

- A range of initiatives are underway from businesses, governments and the education sector. But to meet the high demand, more people need to invest in low-code and no-code tools that allow ordinary users to build applications without software development skills.Taking advantage of those already working in companies is at least as important as recruiting more IT specialists.

How does SAP work with sustainability issues?

- For us, it's about developing all the tools needed for our customers to be sustainable in the long term - and continuing to drive our own company in a sustainable direction. Today, this permeates our entire business and we have presented an integrated annual report since 2012.

- For customers, it's about getting support to transform their business and do it data-driven. To be able to use new and more flexible supply chains where you can measure everything in real time even outside your own company. SAP has a plethora of systems and smart tools that enable companies of all sizes to transform and become more sustainable.

What is the best thing about working in tech?

- I feel privileged to work with such incredible customers that we have around the world and here in Sweden. Working in the tech industry gives me a great overview and insight into other industries and companies. I feel motivated when I see that our technology helps customers solve various challenges and creates completely new opportunities. That is the most important task we have - to deliver business value to our customers.