Gerstner moves to coordinate IBM businesses; new panel named to help units act in concert; Zuckerman to get post

Article Abstract:

IBM CEO Louis V. Gerstner establishes a business-coordinating executive committee, which he outlines in a memo to employees. Gerstner explains that the new 11-member committee is designed to consider multiple-unit policies in order to cut down on redundancy and to ensure that units are logically connected. Gerstner de-emphasizes the importance of the issue of decentralization versus centralization, focusing more on working relationships across operating units. The product and marketing units have the main responsibility of monitoring operating performance, so the committee would not consider divisional strategy and budgets. Analysts think the plan is sound and will help IBM provide unified computing solutions to its customers. Gerstner intends to name Frederick Zuckerman, treasurer of RJR Nabisco Inc, as treasurer of IBM.

IBM, Gerstner, Louis V., Jr., Management Style, Committee, Zuckerman, Frederick

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Two IBM aides seen as possible heirs to Akers

Article Abstract:

IBM names three senior vice presidents, Ned Lautenbach, 48, Bob LaBant, 47 and Patrick Toole, 55, to its management committee. Observers say the appointments make Lautenbach and LaBant the top candidates to succeed chief executive John Akers, who is slated to retire when he turns 60, which will be at the end of 1994. The management committee previously consisted only of Akers, Pres Jack Kuehler, 60, and chief financial officer Frank Metz, 58. Neither Keuhler, Metz nor Toole are considered top candidates for the CEO position. Nothing is certain about executive succession at crisis-plagued IBM, however. Some critics have been calling for Aker's ouster and for the installation of an outsider as the new chief executive.

Officials and employees, Executive, Akers, John, Lautenbach, Ned, LaBant, Robert

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