SAP CEO: India to See ‘Over Proportional’ Hiring Growth

SAP is poised to make India the center of its global workforce expansion, with plans to significantly increase hiring in the country. CEO Christian Klein announced that India will soon become SAP’s largest employee base, surpassing Germany, where the company’s headquarters are located. SAP Labs India currently employs 15,000 people, the largest concentration of engineers within the company, and the second-largest overall workforce, after the German headquarters. India’s growing importance to SAP is reflected not only in the size of its workforce but also in its strategic positioning as one of the company’s top 10 markets by revenue, and notably, the fastest-growing market for SAP.

The company’s focus on India comes at a time when the region is becoming an even more vital hub for innovation and growth. SAP plans to invest disproportionately in India compared to other global labs. Klein stated that the majority of future investments in research and development (R&D) and customer success initiatives will be directed toward India. Though he did not disclose specific hiring numbers or timelines, the company’s commitment to India’s growth is clear. As part of this expansion, SAP is constructing a second office in Bengaluru, designed to accommodate up to an additional 15,000 employees, reflecting the region’s growing importance to SAP’s global operations.

India’s role in SAP’s future also extends to its technological advancements, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s primary AI strategy team is based in India, with numerous leadership roles overseeing development teams located there. This highlights the centrality of India in SAP’s vision for the future, particularly as the company looks to leverage AI in its product offerings and services.

Klein also addressed potential concerns about the impact of generative AI (GenAI) on employment within the company. Despite worries about automation and job displacement due to AI technologies, Klein reassured that SAP would continue to hire as long as the business remains in growth mode. He pointed to the company’s 30% annual business growth, stressing that such rapid expansion would naturally require an increase in developer roles, with hiring continuing to scale as the business grows. Klein’s remarks emphasize SAP’s commitment to maintaining a strong workforce in India and globally, despite the evolving landscape of technology and automation.

This expansion in India represents a pivotal moment for SAP, underscoring the company’s commitment to further integrating the region into its global strategic and operational framework. By directing its focus toward India for key growth initiatives, research and development (R&D), and artificial intelligence (AI) efforts, SAP is positioning India as a central hub for driving the company’s long-term success and fostering innovation. The company’s decision to ramp up hiring and investment in India reflects the country’s growing significance not only as a top market but also as an epicenter for technological advancement within SAP’s global operations. As India continues to emerge as a critical player in SAP’s vision for the future, this move solidifies the region’s role in the company’s ongoing evolution, enhancing its capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions and lead in areas like AI and R&D.