Louis Gerstner, the executive credited with rescuing IBM, has died aged 83.
He led the company as chair and CEO from 1993 to 2002, during a period of deep uncertainty.
Gerstner took charge as IBM struggled against rivals including Microsoft and Sun Microsystems.
As IBM’s first outsider leader, he rejected plans to break the firm into smaller units.
Instead, he kept IBM together, arguing clients wanted integrated solutions, not fragmented products.
Current CEO Arvind Krishna said that decision proved vital to the company’s survival.
Gerstner focused on restoring profitability and customer trust rather than chasing grand visions.
He oversaw tough choices, including abandoning IBM’s OS/2 operating system.
Before IBM, Gerstner led American Express and RJR Nabisco.
After leaving IBM, he chaired the Carlyle Group.
Colleagues remembered him as intense, direct, and demanding.
His leadership reshaped IBM and secured its place in the modern technology industry.
