Louis Gerstner, the executive credited with rescuing IBM from decline, has died aged 83.
He led the company as chair and chief executive from 1993 to 2002.
Gerstner took charge when IBM was losing relevance amid rising competition from Microsoft and Sun Microsystems.
He became the first outsider to run the company.
Rejecting plans to break IBM into smaller units, he kept the business intact.
Gerstner believed customers wanted integrated solutions, not fragmented technology.
His leadership stabilised a loss-making firm during a period of rapid industry change.
IBM later credited that decision as central to its survival.
Before IBM, Gerstner led American Express and RJR Nabisco.
After leaving, he became chair of the Carlyle Group.
IBM’s current chief executive said Gerstner combined short-term discipline with long-term vision.
He is remembered for restoring profitability and refocusing the company on client needs.
