Louis Gerstner, the executive credited with rescuing IBM, has died aged 83.
The company confirmed his death on Sunday.
Gerstner served as chair and chief executive from 1993 to 2002.
He took charge when IBM was struggling against rivals including Microsoft.
As the first outsider to lead IBM, Gerstner rejected plans to break the firm apart.
He believed customers wanted integrated solutions, not fragmented businesses.
That decision proved central to IBM’s survival during rapid industry change.
At the time, IBM was losing ground in the personal computer market.
Gerstner focused on restoring profitability and improving customer service.
He famously said IBM needed execution more than vision.
During his tenure, IBM abandoned its OS/2 system and reshaped its strategy.
The company returned to stability and relevance under his leadership.
Before IBM, Gerstner led American Express and RJR Nabisco.
He later chaired the Carlyle Group.
IBM’s current chief executive praised Gerstner’s intensity, discipline and focus on innovation.
