Gunnar Bender
Senior Director Government Affairs & Strategic Relations @SAP
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WORK HISTORY
Senior Director Government Affairs & Strategic Relations @SAP
Berlin, DE
EDUCATION
University of Münster
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Law
SKILLS
ABOUT GUNNAR BENDER
Strategic Public Affairs Leader | Navigating the Intersection of Tech, Policy, and Global ScaleIn an era of rapid digital disruption, the most critical innovations aren\'t just built in code—they are sustained through trust, transparency, and strategic engagement with the global regulatory landscape. As Senior Director of Government Affairs at SAP, and with a track record of building and scaling public policy functions at Amazon, Meta (Facebook) and AOL I specialize in bridging the gap between hyper-growth technology and complex political ecosystems.What I Do:I help the world’s most influential tech companies navigate \"the gray area\"—turning regulatory challenges into strategic opportunities. My focus is on ensuring that innovation doesn\'t just happen, but thrives within a framework of societal responsibility and long-term business sustainability.Core Impact & Expertise:Building for Scale: Proven success in establishing high-performing Public Policy and Government Relations teams from the ground up within fast-paced, global tech environments.Regulatory Diplomacy: Expertly navigating EU and international digital policy (GDPR, DMA, DSA) to safeguard corporate reputation while promoting pro-innovation agendas.Strategic Advisory: Acting as a trusted counselor to C-suite executives on geopolitical risks, platform governance, and digital sovereignty.Thought Leadership: Author of \"Digital Public Affairs\" and a frequent speaker on the evolution of political communication in the AI and platform economy.Why It Matters:Whether I am advocating for the future of the digital economy or fostering multi-stakeholder coalitions, my goal is always the same: to create a predictable and fair environment where technology serves the many. I lead with a mindset of radical transparency, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to the democratic process.
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