Louis Gerstner, the executive credited with rescuing IBM from decline, has died aged 83.
He led the company as chair and CEO from 1993 to 2002, during a period of intense industry change.
When Gerstner arrived, IBM was losing relevance amid competition from Microsoft and Sun Microsystems.
He became IBM’s first external chief executive and immediately scrapped plans to break the company apart.
Instead, Gerstner kept IBM intact, arguing customers wanted integrated technology solutions.
That decision proved central to the company’s survival and recovery.
IBM’s current chief executive, Arvind Krishna, said Gerstner led with focus and clarity during uncertain times.
He praised Gerstner’s ability to balance short-term delivery with long-term innovation.
Gerstner refocused IBM on services and profitability, while dropping the OS/2 operating system.
He famously said IBM did not need a vision, but better execution.
Before IBM, Gerstner led American Express and RJR Nabisco.
After leaving IBM, he chaired the Carlyle Group.
