List of IBM CEOs
Encyclopedia
The following is a chronological list of people who have served as chief executive officer
of IBM
, an American multinational technology
and consulting
firm headquartered in Armonk
, New York
.
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
of IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
, an American multinational technology
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
and consulting
Consultant
A consultant is a professional who provides professional or expert advice in a particular area such as management, accountancy, the environment, entertainment, technology, law , human resources, marketing, emergency management, food production, medicine, finance, life management, economics, public...
firm headquartered in Armonk
Armonk, New York
Armonk is a hamlet and census-designated place located in the town of North Castle in Westchester County, New York. As of the 2010 census, the CDP population was 4,330....
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
.
- Thomas J. WatsonThomas J. WatsonThomas John Watson, Sr. was president of International Business Machines , who oversaw that company's growth into an international force from 1914 to 1956...
(1914–1956) - Thomas J. Watson, Jr.Thomas J. Watson, Jr.Thomas John Watson, Jr. was an American businessman, political figure, and philanthropist. He was the 2nd president of IBM , the 11th national president of the Boy Scouts of America , and the 16th United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union...
(1956–1971) - T. Vincent LearsonT. Vincent LearsonThomas Vincent Learson was IBM's chairman and chief executive officer from June 1971 through January 1973. He was succeeded by Frank Cary. Both the previous chairman Thomas Watson, Jr...
(1971–1973) - Frank T. CaryFrank T. CaryFrank T. Cary was a U.S. Executive and Businessman. Cary served as the Chairman from 1973 to 1983 and CEO from 1973 to 1981 of IBM....
(1973–1981) - John OpelJohn OpelJohn Roberts Opel was a U.S. computer businessman. He served as the president of IBM between 1974 and 1985. He then served as the CEO of IBM from 1981 to 1985. Finally he was the chairman of IBM between 1983 and 1986...
(1981–1985) - John F. Akers (1985–1993)
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr.Louis V. Gerstner, Jr.Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. KBE was chairman of the board and chief executive officer of IBM from April 1993 until 2002 when he retired as CEO in March and chairman in December. He is largely credited with turning around IBM's fortunes.He was formerly CEO of RJR Nabisco, and also held senior positions...
(1993–2002) - Samuel J. PalmisanoSamuel J. PalmisanoSamuel J. Palmisano was president and chief executive officer of IBM, which as of 2009 was the largest IT company in the world and 45th largest company overall. He was elected chairman in October 2002, effective January 1, 2003, and has served as CEO since March 2002. Before he became CEO,...
(2002–2011) - Virginia M. Rometty ( 2012)