GABA Member Interview: William Newman
William Newman serves as the North American leader of the Automotive Industry Advisory for SAP. In this role, he works with business and technology leaders to create innovation and manage their businesses intelligently and purposefully. SAP is the largest business enterprise software and business AI company globally and the largest technology company listed on Germany’s DAX exchange.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current role or business?
I have the pleasure to serve as the North American leader of our Automotive Industry Advisory for SAP. In this role, I work with business and technology leaders to create innovation and manage their businesses in an intelligent, purposeful way. SAP is the largest business enterprise software and business AI company in the world, and the largest technology company listed on Germany’s DAX exchange. I recently celebrated my 10th year at SAP and have been part of the ecosystem for over 30 years, including a leadership role with the IT division of Volkswagen.
Could you share some key milestones or achievements in your professional journey that you’re particularly proud of?
Before joining the automotive industry, I was an airplane guy during the heyday of the Southern California aerospace boom in the 1980s and early 1990s. I participated in the first flight of the Northrop (Grumman) B-2 (Spirit) Stealth Bomber. Later, I helped design the first digital driver’s license for the State of Oregon DMV. I have also helped address the automotive industry’s response to the Y2k issue and the Dodd-Frank Conflict Minerals reporting mandate with one of the first industry uses of cloud-based software.
In your experience, how do you maintain a work-life balance while pursuing professional success?
When I am not working with automotive companies to advance their business and technology goals, I enjoy long-distance running and golf. My wife Teresa and I have been blessed with a family of four now-grown children building families of their own. We enjoy travel and wine-country living and enjoy what California has to offer. We own nearly 40 organic Valencia orange trees, and I have developed what I have been told is a good recipe for Orangecello. We recently introduced bees to our small organic farm that produces 10 gallons of organic orange blossom honey each year.
What is your favorite part of being a part of the GABA community, and how do you see it evolving in the future to benefit its members even more?
Since my Volkswagen time, I have been associated with several German Chambers across the United States. The network and fraternity of members transcend what we do together today to what we might do together tomorrow. As a German American, I appreciate learning more about my historical culture and sharing that with other European colleagues. For example, I participate in an annual automotive and wine evening at the historic Meadowbrook Hall home estate of the Dodge family. Perhaps one day we can enjoy a similar event with classic cars or new EVs in Southern California!
Interested in learning more about William’s journey and insights? Connect with him through the GABA network or his LinkedIn to explore potential collaborations and shared interests.