SAP SuccessFactors appoints Jill Popelka as new President

SAP SuccessFactors has announced the appointment of Jill Popelka as its new President on March 18.

With cloud technology rapidly changing the face of businesses and seeing greater adoption, Popelka will be responsible for strategising customer success and business health for SAP’s largest cloud line business.

Having been with SAP for the last 10 years, Popelka was overseeing all operational functions of the SAP SuccessFactors business as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ).

Looking ahead to her new role, she said in a company blog post, “We strive to understand our customers and what they do and sometimes it’s a two-way discussion on how best they can grow and perform.

“Sure, we all want to ensure they get the outcome, but it starts with opening the dialogue and building trust. Sometimes our customers don’t know what it is that they truly need. They know the pain point, but you must explore that pain with them to understand where the problem is. Then you help them find a solution.”

SAP SuccessFactors is moving from human capital management (HCM) to human experience management (HXM). And Popelka shares her excitement about the new direction the company is taking.

“First of all, to allow HR to really lead and have an impact on business results. Secondly, it allows businesses to really connect with their employees and drive purpose and passion in the people responsible for driving business outcomes. As I walk into this role, I am so excited about where this business has been and where we’re going,” she added.