Post by Thomas Stelzer

After 26 years, 11 months, and 2 weeks… it’s time for my next chapter. Today is my last day at Software AG. When I joined all those years ago, I could never have imagined the journey ahead — the people I would meet, the challenges we would overcome together, and the friendships that would last a lifetime. Last year brought major changes with the sale of several business units (API & Integrations/webMethods, TrendMiner, Cumulocity IoT, Alfabet). That made me reflect — perhaps it was also my time for a change. I’m not one to “wait and see”; I prefer to take the wheel. So tomorrow, on August 15, I’m excited to start a new adventure as Project Coordinator IT in a completely new environment! Still, closing this chapter is emotional. I’ve had the privilege to work alongside hundreds of brilliant colleagues worldwide — far too many to list here — but each of you has shaped my journey in ways I will never forget. Special mentions: Frank S. – over 20 years together (on and off) – a true leader and mentor. Georg Simon, Padma Reddy, Michael Schuhmacher – thank you very much for your trust in key R&D IT areas. --> Among others <--: From Global R&D: Dr. Michael Backhaus, Dr. Julius Geppert, Harald M., Jürgen H., Bianca H., Mouna H., Tobias Jakob, David L., Ralph Wenkel, Dominik Roß, Simon G., Mahua Murthy, Gudrun G., Alexander Schnellhardt, Horst Kinzinger, Heinz Lehn, Steve McGuire, James H., Kevin Palfreyman, Scott Mitchell, Johannes Viegener, Stefan Wiechmann, Vasu Kothamasu, Pete Carlson, Veselin Aleksandrov, Thanikachalam S, Dimitar Sakarov. My office roommates Bianca, Tobi, Jose Daniel Encarnacao — and especially Andreas Grübel, my “long-term roommate.” My mentor and friend Peter Christopher Harris – an enduring source of wisdom and support. From IT: Jakob Jellbauer, Emily J. Ryan, Haran K Kumar, Radoslav Danchev, Randy Hodgson, Stephan Maucher — and of course my friend James Settle in Denver. Not to forget Jörg B. – the true guru when it comes to IT budgets. From Procurement: Melva Poole, Danny Marquart. From FC&A: Carsten Metz, David Edelmann, Harald Hoch. From HR: Sandra A., Vera Mo, Tina K. From Global Support: Rüdiger B., Sylvia Schmid, Jeff Schmidt, Evelyn Rinker, Jessica Teh, Kurt Hansen. To everyone I’ve worked with (including the many not mentioned here by name): thank you for the teamwork, the laughter, and the shared successes. It has been an honor to collaborate with you. Here’s to exciting beginnings — and to staying connected! If our paths cross again, I will be looking forward to it.