Geraldine McBride

From the perspective of a CEO who has worked across South Africa, North America and Australasia - Geraldine McBride, CEO and Managing Director, SAP ANZ will discuss what she sees as the critical success factors and universal truths for companies wishing to transform themselves. Through her experience, Geraldine has found it unwise to begin a transformation program until there is a clearly defined "end-game". However, this should not be confused with what transformation is all about - a never-ending journey - with some clear goals along the way. Geraldine is responsible for the company's entire operations throughout the region. Geraldine brings to her role more than 20 years of experience in the IT industry, half of which have been with SAP.
Prior to taking up this role Geraldine was part of the SAP America leadership team. As Senior Vice President and General Manager she was responsible for leading the Consumer and Manufacturing Sectors in addition to building SAP America's CRM business and leading a company wide team to transform SAP America's 2003 field organisation. Geraldine's role within SAP has always been that of an agent of change. In 1996 she was appointed Managing Director of SAP New Zealand. Under her leadership, SAP in New Zealand became a highly profitable and successful operation. Prior to this she was extremely successful in her role as Director of Sales for SAP South Africa, at the time when SAP was first rolling out its R/3 offering.