Louis Gerstner, credited with rescuing IBM from decline, has died aged 83.
He served as chair and chief executive from 1993 to 2002, during a turbulent period for the company.
Gerstner became IBM’s first outsider leader as it struggled against rivals including Microsoft.
He scrapped plans to break IBM into smaller units, keeping the company intact.
He believed customers wanted integrated solutions rather than fragmented technology.
That decision proved central to IBM’s survival and recovery.
Gerstner focused on restoring profitability and customer trust over grand vision statements.
He also ended IBM’s OS/2 operating system to refocus strategy.
Before IBM, he led American Express and RJR Nabisco.
After leaving IBM, he chaired the Carlyle Group.
IBM’s current chief executive praised Gerstner’s intensity, discipline and long-term focus.
His leadership reshaped the company during one of its most uncertain eras.
