History of Bill McDermott in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 5, 2026

William (Bill) McDermott is an American businessman currently serving as the CEO of ServiceNow. He is best known for his previous role as CEO of SAP SE, where he significantly increased the company's market value. McDermott co-authored the memoir "Winners Dream: A Journey from Corner Store to Corner Office", which received a business book award. He assumed the CEO position at ServiceNow in November 2019.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 18, 1961: William McDermott's Birth

On August 18, 1961, William R. McDermott was born. He is an American businessman and CEO of ServiceNow.

2000: President of Gartner

In 2000, McDermott became the president of Gartner.

2001: Executive VP at Siebel Systems

In 2001, McDermott was appointed executive vice president of worldwide sales and operations at Siebel Systems.

2002: CEO of SAP America

In 2002, McDermott was appointed by SAP as the CEO of SAP America.

2002: Executive VP at Siebel Systems

In 2002, McDermott was still working as executive vice president of worldwide sales and operations at Siebel Systems.

2008: SAP Executive Board designation

In 2008, McDermott was designated to the SAP Executive Board.

February 2010: Co-CEO of SAP AG

In February 2010, McDermott became the co-CEO of SAP AG.

May 21, 2014: CEO of SAP SE

On May 21, 2014, McDermott became the first American to become the CEO of SAP SE.

July 2015: Accident resulting in loss of eye

In July 2015, McDermott slipped and fell down the stairs while carrying a glass of water, with the glass shattering into pieces. The accident cost him his left eye despite undergoing multiple surgeries.

2016: Highest Paid Executive in DAX

In 2016, McDermott became the best-paid executive leading the companies that form the German stock index DAX, earning a direct remuneration of €11.6 million.

2016: "Manager of the Year" by Handelsblatt

In 2016, McDermott was named "Manager of the Year" by the German Business Daily Handelsblatt.

2018: SAP market cap

Between 2010 and 2018, SAP's market capitalization increased from $39 billion to $144 billion.

October 10, 2019: McDermott Leaves SAP SE

On October 10, 2019, McDermott decided to leave SAP SE.

October 2019: Appointment as ServiceNow CEO

At the end of October 2019, after McDermott stepped down from SAP, ServiceNow announced his appointment as CEO.

November 2019: McDermott became CEO of ServiceNow

In November 2019, Bill McDermott began his role as CEO of ServiceNow.

2019: Under Armour board member

McDermott was on the boards of Under Armour until 2019.

2021: 3rd highest paid CEO

In 2021, McDermott was the 3rd highest paid CEO of all S&P 500 CEOs, receiving over $162 million in equity and $3.5 million in cash and other forms of compensation from ServiceNow.

2022: ServiceNow and the Metaverse

In 2022, McDermott stated "that there's a real place in the world for the metaverse," and that ServiceNow could help someone "create an e-mall in the metaverse".