SAP sales exec leaves for Ariba

SAP's director of U.K. sales has left the German software giant for online procurement provider Ariba Technologies.

Kevin Gibson started this week as vice president of European operations for Santa Clara, California-based Ariba, a company spokeswoman said.

Ariba makes operating resource management software that automates how companies handle procurement of routine office and industrial supplies, capital equipment, and services, as well as travel and entertainment expenses.

The company's European operations are headquartered in Amsterdam, though Gibson is working out of the firm's London office.

Gibson's departure follows that of Jeremy Coote, who left his job as president of SAP America last month to take over as vice president of North American operations at Siebel Systems. Paul Wahl, former CEO of SAP America, also left the firm last September to join TriStrata, a security start-up in Silicon Valley.