Dietmar Hopp

In 1972, he founded SAP SE with five other former IBM colleagues Hans Werner Hector, Klaus Tschira, Claus Wellenreuther and Hasso Plattner. He remained CEO of SAP SE (then SAP AG) from 1988 until 1998, chairman of its supervisory board from 1998 until 2003 and member of the board from 2003 until 2005. He kept about 10% of the company's shares after leaving the board.

After suffering a devastating loss in 1990, Hopp decided to invest money into his former club, which was playing in the lowest tiers of the German football league system (Kreisliga) at that time. Due to his financial aid, the club became a major force in the region by the early 2000s, reaching Germany's third division (Regionalliga). In 2005, Hopp massively intensified his investments and aimed for the promotion to the Bundesliga, Germany's top division. Hopp spent large amounts of money on new players and coach Ralf Rangnick and Hoffenheim managed two consecutive promotions and eventually entered the Bundesliga in 2008, which it has played in since then.

Special mag marks Dietmar Hopp's 80th birthday

„Herzlichen Glückwunsch, Dietmar Hopp!“ Die TSG Hoffenheim gratuliert dem großen Mäzen, Stifter und Gesellschafter von Herzen zum 80. Geburtstag. Diesen runden Geburtstag nehmen wir zum Anlass, in einem ganz besonderen E-Magazin den Weg und das Wirken des Menschen Dietmar Hopp bis zum heutigen Tag nachzuzeichnen.

SAP Co-Founder Dietmar Hopp Celebrates his 75th Birthday | SAP News Center

A look back at many milestones of SAP Co-Founde Dietmar Hopp following his 75th birthday on April 26.

Interview: Vedad Ibisevic » TSG Hoffenheim

After notching two goals in the opening quarter of an hour in the 5-1 victory over Hamburger SV, Vedad Ibisevic caught up with achtzehn99.de for an exclusive interview.