Louis Gerstner, the executive credited with rescuing IBM from decline, has died aged 83.
IBM confirmed his death on Sunday.
Gerstner led IBM as chair and CEO from 1993 to 2002, a turbulent period for the company.
It faced intense competition from rivals including Microsoft and Sun Microsystems.
As the first outsider to run IBM, Gerstner rejected plans to break it into smaller units.
He argued customers wanted integrated solutions, not fragmented technology.
Current IBM chief Arvind Krishna said that decision proved critical to the company’s survival.
He praised Gerstner’s focus on client needs and long-term relevance.
IBM had lost ground after the rise of PC competitors using Intel chips and Microsoft software.
Gerstner prioritised profitability and customer service over grand vision statements.
He also scrapped IBM’s OS/2 operating system, conceding the PC software battle.
Before IBM, Gerstner led American Express and RJR Nabisco.
After leaving IBM, he later chaired the Carlyle Group.
Colleagues remembered him as demanding, direct and intensely focused on delivery and innovation.
