IBM(US:IBM) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-28 23:25Core Insights - Louis Gerstner, former CEO and Chairman of IBM, passed away at the age of 83 [1] - Current CEO Arvind Krishna announced Gerstner's death to employees, highlighting his transformative leadership during a critical time for IBM [3] Company Leadership and Transformation - Gerstner took over IBM in April 1993 when the company was facing significant challenges, becoming the first CEO from outside the company [3] - He is credited with leading IBM out of bankruptcy by shifting the company's strategy towards business services and reforming its corporate culture [3] - Under his leadership, IBM's stock price increased by 800% from the time he took over until his departure in 2002 [3] Contributions and Legacy - Gerstner authored the book "Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?" and co-authored "Reinventing Education: Entrepreneurship in America's Public Schools" [4] - He served on the boards of several companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb and The New York Times [4] - Gerstner was also committed to public education initiatives, launching a program at IBM to apply technology resources in schools [4] Philanthropic Efforts - In 1989, Gerstner founded the Gerstner Family Foundation, focusing on biomedical research, environmental projects, and social services in specific regions [5]