As president of SAP North America, DJ Paoni is responsible for the day-to-day strategy, profitability and customer success in the region. Dedicated to helping customers become best-run businesses, he focuses on understanding their ever-changing needs and delivering technology innovations that simplify their businesses, address today’s challenges and ensure their sustainable success.
Since joining SAP in 1996 as an account executive, DJ has established himself as a respected customer advisor who places a high priority on their success. Prior to his current role, he was the managing director of the Midwest and oversaw the region’s profitability, strategic direction, and all client-related activities. As head of the Strategic Customer Program in North America, he was responsible for establishing the strategic direction and vision for all efforts related to SAP’s top North American-headquartered customers. DJ’s previous distinguished roles have included leading regional sales organizations in the Midwestern and Eastern United States.
Prior to joining SAP, DJ began his career in the software industry as an account executive with Legent Corp. (acquired by Computer Associates International Inc., now CA Technologies Inc.).
DJ earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. In addition to GENYOUth, DJ serves on the board of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).