Louis Gerstner, the former chief executive credited with rescuing IBM, has died aged 83.
He led IBM from 1993 to 2002 during a period of deep crisis and rapid industry change.
Gerstner became the first outsider to run the company as it struggled against rivals like Microsoft.
He rejected plans to break IBM apart, arguing customers wanted integrated solutions, not fragmented products.
That decision proved central to IBM’s survival and recovery.
Gerstner focused on restoring profitability and improving customer service rather than grand visions.
Under his leadership, IBM shifted away from failing PC strategies and refocused on enterprise services.
He also ended development of the OS/2 operating system, conceding Microsoft’s dominance.
IBM’s current CEO, Arvind Krishna, said Gerstner’s leadership reshaped the company at a critical moment.
Gerstner previously led American Express and RJR Nabisco and later chaired the Carlyle Group.
He was remembered as demanding, focused, and able to balance short-term delivery with long-term innovation.
