Executive led the company from 1993 to 2002 and was responsible for one of the largest corporate turnarounds in the US
American businessman Louis Gerstner, who led IBM (International Business Machines) as CEO and president from 1993 to 2002, died at the age of 83 on Saturday (Dec 27, 2025).
The death was announced by the company’s current CEO, Arvind Krishna, in an email sent this Sunday (Dec 28) to employees. The cause was not disclosed. In the statement, Krishna highlighted Gerstner’s role in the company’s trajectory.
“Lou arrived at IBM at a time when the company’s future was genuinely uncertain. His leadership during this period reshaped the company, not by looking back but by relentlessly focusing on what our customers needed next”said Krishna, in a message released by Reuters.
LOUIS GERSTNER
Gerstner took over IBM in April 1993, when the company was facing financial difficulties. Previously, he presided over RJR Nabisco, a former North American food and tobacco conglomerate. His presentation as the new leader of the so-called “Big Blue” took place in March 1993, in New York.
The executive led one of the most relevant corporate recoveries in the United States. During his tenure, he redirected IBM’s focus to business services and promoted changes in organizational culture.
Over the 9 years he was at the helm of the company, IBM shares appreciated by around 800%. Gerstner was the first external executive to lead the company.
After leaving IBM in 2002, he chaired the Carlyle Group until his retirement in 2008. He also founded Gerstner Philanthropies in 1989, an organization that includes the Gerstner Family Foundation.
In a statement, the foundation stated that the businessman’s legacy “is reflected in the successes of people and institutions” supported. “Our determination to continue your work remains unshakable”he declared.
Through the foundation, Gerstner supported biomedical research and initiatives in the areas of education, health and assistance to people in vulnerable situations. He received the Cleveland E. Dodge Medal for Distinguished Service to Education from the Teachers College of Columbia University and the Distinguished Service to Science and Education Award from the American Museum of Natural History. In June 2001, he was honored as a Knight of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
Here is the full statement from the Gerstner Philanthropies foundation:
“We mourn the loss of Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., who died on December 27, 2025. His vision and leadership laid the foundation for the work of Gerstner Philanthropies. As a business leader, Lou was best known for leading IBM through a remarkable turnaround and championing excellence in management and execution. As a philanthropist, he directed the foundation to support biomedical research, education, environmental causes, and direct support for vulnerable families. His legacy is reflected in the successes of the people and institutions we support, and our determination to continue their work remains unwavering.”
