SAP's chief executive Leo Apotheker is out and leaving the the company board after less than one year. Apotheker has worked at SAP since 1988 when he joined as boss of SAP France. He was joint-CEO of the backoffice software group from April 2008 to May 2009, in order to ensure a smooth takeover from his predecessor, Henning Kagermann. His contract was not extended by 'mutual agreement'. SAP said he had resigned his job and his position on the board effective immediately. (No smooth takeovers needed following his departure then.)

He will be replaced by joint-CEOs Bill McDermott, who was head of field operations and Jim Hagermann Snabe, previously head of product development. The board thanked Apotheker for his contribution to SAP over 20 years and wished him the best for the future. The company is holding a conference call later today for media and analysts.