IBM names Rometty to replace Palmisano as CEO

[OhioChick]

Source: ComputerWorld

October 25, 2011 07:08 PM ET

IDG News Service - IBM has elected Virginia Rometty, a company veteran who oversaw the integration of PriceWaterhouseCoopers Consulting into IBM, as president and chief executive officer effective Jan. 1. She will replace Sam Palmisano, who will retain the chairman's role.

Rometty, who has worked at IBM for decades, most recently has been IBM senior vice president and group executive for sales, marketing and strategy.

"Ginni Rometty has successfully led several of IBM's most important businesses over the past decade -- from the formation of IBM Global Business Services to the build-out of our Growth Markets Unit," Palmisano said in a statement. "With every leadership role, she has strengthened our ability to integrate IBM's capabilities for our clients."

Rometty's work integrating PwC and building a global team of more than 100,000 consultants, as well as other roles she has held at the company, have made her a driving force for IBM's Smarter Planet strategy, according to IDC analyst Frank Gens. Smarter Planet is focused on using technology to transform businesses, governments and industries.

Read more: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9221195/IBM_names_Rometty_to_replace_Palmisano_as_CEO