Louis Gerstner, credited with rescuing IBM from decline, has died aged 83.
He served as chair and CEO from 1993 to 2002, during a period of intense industry upheaval.
Gerstner took charge as IBM struggled against rivals including Microsoft and Sun Microsystems.
He became the first outsider to lead the company.
Rejecting plans to break IBM into smaller units, Gerstner kept it intact.
He argued customers wanted integrated solutions, not fragmented technology.
IBM’s current chief, Arvind Krishna, said that decision proved vital to survival.
Gerstner focused on restoring profitability and serving clients better.
He oversaw a shift away from failed bets such as the OS/2 operating system.
Earlier in his career, Gerstner led American Express and RJR Nabisco.
After leaving IBM, he chaired the Carlyle Group.
Colleagues remembered him as direct, demanding, and intensely focused on delivery and innovation.
