Europe's tech scene is buzzing with innovation, as visionary leaders drive advancements across the continent.

From AI to sustainable technologies, these leaders are pushing the tech industry further, despite facing regulatory hurdles and consistent and worldwide competition.

As the world confronts other pressing challenges like climate change and cybersecurity threats, Europe's tech is moving up the ladder even further, developing solutions that could redefine digitalisation.

With a growing ecosystem of over 700 listed tech companies, Europe is nurturing a robust pipeline of future tech giants.

This flourishing environment is attracting unprecedented levels of venture capital, with investments more than doubling in recent years.

Technology Magazine takes a look at some of the top technology leaders in Europe and what they are doing to stay competitive in the industry.                                                                                                                             

10. Florian Roth - CDIO, SAP SE

Employees: 105,315
Headquarters: Walldorf, Germany

Florian Roth, Chief Digital and Information Officer at SAP SE since 2021, is driving the company's digital transformation strategy.

Under his leadership, SAP continues to innovate in enterprise software, with its flagship product SAP S/4HANA leading the ERP market.

Florian's vision focuses on expanding SAP's global reach, evidenced by research labs in 15 countries.

His goals include enhancing digital offerings and fostering partnerships, as seen in recent collaborations with Raken and Sage Intacct.

Notably, SAP processes over 87% of global commerce transaction revenue under Florian's guidance.

9. Sebastian Siemiatkowski - CEO, Klarna

Employees: 5,000
Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden

As co-founder and CEO of Klarna, Sebastian Siemiatkowski has led the company's expansion into a global payments and shopping service.

Klarna has partnered with Adyen to integrate BNPL services into 450,000 physical retail terminals across multiple continents under Sebastian’s leadership. 

His vision focuses on revolutionising both online and in-store shopping experiences and his goals include making flexible payments ubiquitous, evidenced by the launch of Klarna Balance, a checking account-like feature with cashback rewards.

Sebastian's strategic partnerships, such as with Worldpay, also aim to establish Klarna as a default payment method for merchants worldwide.

8. Jack Stockdale - CTO, Darktrace

Employees: 2,200
Headquarters: Cambridge, UK

A global leader in cybersecurity AI, Darktrace collaborates with major organisations like Johns Hopkins Medicine to protect critical infrastructure.

The company aims to revolutionise cybersecurity through self-learning AI and recently launched the Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform.

Despite being headquartered in the UK, it protects over 9,000 customers globally and has expanded into the US government sector with Darktrace Federal.

Jack Stockdale, co-founder and CTO of Darktrace, has been instrumental in developing the company's innovative AI-powered cybersecurity solutions.

Under Jack, Darktrace has pioneered the Enterprise Immune System, which uses self-learning AI to detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time.

Jack’s goals include expanding Darktrace's global reach and continually enhancing its AI technology to combat evolving cyber threats.

7. Markus Schäfer - CTO, Mercedes - Benz Group

Employees: 166,056
Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany

Markus Schäfer, CTO of Mercedes-Benz Group, is spearheading the company's drive towards sustainable mobility and electrification.

From Markus’s guidance, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with LG Energy Solution for battery procurement, supporting their ambitious electrification strategy.

His vision includes enhancing circular economy principles, evidenced by the opening of a recycling plant in Kuppenheim.

He is also overseeing the development of VAN.EA, a modular electric platform aimed at revolutionising the company's van lineup,

Overall, Markus’s goals focus on driving innovation in sustainable mobility, with plans to make Mercedes-Benz's new vehicle fleet CO2-neutral by 2039.

6. Erik Ekudden - CTO, Ericsson

Employees: 100,000
Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden

Since 2017, Erik Ekudden has been the CTO of Ericsson and has been instrumental in driving the company's 5G innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Under his leadership, Ericsson has partnered with major telecom operators like O2 Telefónica in Germany to develop next-generation networks.

Erik focuses on advancing 5G technology while prioritising environmental sustainability and his goals include reducing carbon emissions, as evidenced by plans for a smart manufacturing hub in Estonia aimed at cutting emissions by 70%.

He also champions open-source networking ecosystems, with Ericsson contributing to projects like ONAP and OpenStack, positioning the company at the forefront of telecommunications technology development.

5. Oskari Saarenmaa - CEO, Aiven

Employees: 201-500
​​​​​​​Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland

Oskari Saarenmaa, co-founder and CEO of Aiven, has led the company's growth since its inception in 2016.

Under his leadership, Aiven has evolved into a global provider of managed open-source data technologies, raising US$419.93mn in funding.

Oskari's vision focuses on simplifying cloud infrastructure management for developers worldwide.

He also aims to expand Aiven's portfolio of managed database services, as evidenced by the recent launch of Aiven for ClickHouse.

Additionally, Oskari’s strategic approach has driven Aiven's expansion from its Finnish roots to operations across five continents, partnering with major cloud providers to offer services like PostgreSQL and Kafka.

4. Brian Duffy - CEO, SoftwareONE

Employees: 9,000
​​​​​​​Headquarters: Stans, Switzerland

Appointed CEO of SoftwareONE in May 2023, Brian Duffy brings extensive experience from his 18-year tenure at SAP.

Under his leadership, SoftwareONE continues to provide global software and cloud solutions across 90 countries. 

Brian’s vision focuses on accelerating business transformation for clients, leveraging partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and AWS.

Meanwhile, his overall goals include expanding SoftwareONE's digital offerings and driving sustainable growth.

Long term, Brian aims to enhance the company's position in the AWS ecosystem and maintain its extensive reach, managing over 7,500 software publishers for clients.

3. Steve Hare - CEO, Sage

Employees: 11,565
​​​​​​​Headquarters: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Steve Hare, CEO of Sage Group since 2018, has transformed the UK's largest listed tech company into a global leader in integrated business management software.

Thanks to Steve, Sage has expanded its cloud-based services for small and medium-sized enterprises, with 45% of revenue now coming from the US.

One of his current focuses is on talent development and Sage has been seen to employ over 600 apprentices since 2015.

Steve’s overall goals include driving sustainable growth, enhancing Sage's digital offerings and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.

Furthermore, Steve’s customer-centric approach and emphasis on understanding evolving business needs have contributed to Sage's success, with the company's share price more than doubling during his tenure as CEO.

2. Bernard Charlè - CEO, Dassault Systèmes

Employees: 23,000
​​​​​​​Headquarters: Vélizy-Villacoublay, France

As the CEO of Dassault Systèmes since 1995, Bernard Charlè has transformed the company into a global leader in 3D design and engineering software.

From Bernard’s initiatives, Dassault Systèmes developed the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, enabling virtual twin experiences for businesses across industries.

His goals also focus on driving sustainable innovation by harmonising product and nature.

He has spearheaded collaborations with major companies like Hyundai Motor and Sanofi, leveraging virtual technology to revolutionise product development and manufacturing processes. 

Bernard’s further goals include expanding the company's reach in sectors such as healthcare and urban planning, as demonstrated by the "Building Tomorrow" programme, which reimagined the Eiffel Tower for sustainable urban development.

His commitment to innovation has positioned Dassault Systèmes as a key player in shaping the future of digital transformation.

1. Stéphane Boujnah - CEO at Euronext

Employees: 1,800
​​​​​​​Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Stéphane Boujnah, CEO of Euronext, has been instrumental in transforming the company into Europe's leading market infrastructure.

Under his time as CEO, Euronext now operates stock exchanges in seven European countries, serving major firms like LVMH and L'Oréal.

Stéphane's long term vision focuses on driving sustainable growth in European capital markets, exemplified by the strategic acquisition of Borsa Italiana.

He has also spearheaded initiatives such as Euronext Tech Leaders to support high-growth tech companies and pioneered the 'My ESG Profile' tool, making Euronext the first exchange to standardise non-financial data. 

For the company, Stéphane’s aims include expanding clearing capabilities, enhancing technology infrastructure and attracting more listings.

His efforts have also positioned Euronext as a dominant force, hosting 40% of new equity listings across Europe in 2023.

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