Peter Zencke has been a member of the Executive Board of SAP AG since 1993. He is currently responsible for the development of SAP's new application platform, based on the enterprise service-oriented architecture (enterprise SOA). In addition, he oversees the development of SAP's new software solution for the midmarket, SAP Business ByDesign, which is built on the new application platform. His responsibilities also include the coordination of SAP's global research activities.

Zencke joined SAP in 1984, where he was responsible for systems analysis, consulting, and training. From 1988 to 1992, he was project manager for application development of SAP R/3 enterprise. Later, as head of development, Zencke was responsible for the area of logistics and the development of industry-specific solutions for oil and gas, consumer products, retail, and automotive sectors. He also oversaw SAP's activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to his current role, Zencke was responsible for SAP Customer Relationship Management, achieving a leadership position for SAP's CRM application in the market.

Zencke began his career in academic research and teaching. He studied mathematics and economics at the University of Bonn, Germany, from 1971 to 1977. From 1977 to 1980, he continued as research assistant at the University of Bonn, Germany, and received a doctorate in 1980 for his work in mathematical modeling and numerical optimization. In 1982, Zencke was appointed assistant professor for mathematics and economics at the University of Trier, Germany, where he developed a new curriculum in business mathematics.

Zencke is a member of the governing board at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad and of the research council of the Institute of Media and Communication Management at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. In addition, he is chairman of the board of trustees at SAP Business School in Vienna. Zencke is also a member of the supervisory boards of these companies: SupplyOn AG in Hallbergmoos, Germany, and MeVis Medical Solutions AG, Bremen, Germany.