By Maya Perez
Publication Date: 2025-12-29 13:50:00
The Architect of IBM’s Revival: Remembering Lou Gerstner’s Bold Bets and Lasting Impact
Louis V. Gerstner Jr., the visionary leader who yanked IBM from the brink of collapse and redefined its place in the technology world, died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 83. His passing marks the end of an era for a man whose tenure at International Business Machines Corp. is often hailed as one of the most remarkable corporate turnarounds in modern history. Gerstner, who helmed IBM from 1993 to 2002, transformed a lumbering giant struggling against nimble competitors into a services-oriented powerhouse, betting big on software and consulting at a time when hardware dominance was fading.
Born on March 1, 1942, in Mineola, New York, Gerstner graduated from Dartmouth College in 1963 and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School two years later. His early career included stints at McKinsey & Company, where he honed his consulting skills, followed by leadership roles at…
