Early Life
Hans-Werner Hector was born on January 17, 1940, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. He studied mathematics at the University of Saarland, earning a Master of Science degree. His academic background laid the groundwork for his future career in information technology.
Rise to Success
In 1972, Hector, along with Dietmar Hopp, Hasso Plattner, Klaus Tschira, and Claus Wellenreuther, co-founded SAP (System Analysis and Program Development). He played a key role in SAP's growth, particularly in the US market. He was instrumental in establishing SAP as a leader in enterprise software.
Key Business Strategies
Hector focused on the expansion of SAP in the North American market. He transferred a significant portion of his SAP shares to a trust in 1996 for diversification purposes. However, this move led to disagreements with his partners, and he left SAP in 1997.
Philanthropy
After leaving SAP, Hector dedicated himself to philanthropic projects. He established the H.W. & J. Hector Foundation in 1995 and the Hector Foundation II in 2008. These foundations support various causes, including research, education, and cultural preservation. He has donated significant amounts to support cancer and AIDS research as well as the arts and historical preservation. In 2008, he established the Hector Science Fund at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology with a gift of 200 million euros (approximately $290 million at the time).
