Louis Gerstner, the former chief executive widely credited with rescuing IBM from near collapse and reshaping it for the internet age, has died at the age of 83.
Gerstner took charge of IBM in 1993, when the once-dominant technology giant was struggling with heavy losses, internal fragmentation, and questions about its future relevance. A former executive at American Express and RJR Nabisco, he was the first IBM CEO hired from outside the company—an unconventional move that proved decisive.
Rejecting calls to break IBM into smaller units, Gerstner instead focused on keeping the company intact and pivoting it toward integrated services and enterprise solutions. Under his leadership, IBM shifted away from its heavy dependence on hardware and built a powerful global services business, helping clients manage complex IT systems. This strategic redirection laid the foundation for IBM’s long-term stability and profitability.
During his tenure until 2002, Gerstner restored investor confidence, strengthened IBM’s customer-centric culture, and positioned the company to compete in a rapidly changing digital economy. His management style—direct, disciplined, and execution-focused—stood in contrast to IBM’s traditionally insular culture.
Gerstner’s legacy endures as one of the most significant corporate turnarounds in modern business history, redefining IBM’s role in the global technology landscape.
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