IBM Turns 100; Making the World Work Better
IBM today is marking the 100th anniversary of its founding on June 16, 1911. To celebrate the milestone, the company is releasing a book, “Making the World Work Better: The Ideas That Shaped a Century and a Company,” debuting a new film, “Wild Ducks,” and ringing the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
Chairman of the Board, president and CEO Samuel J. Palmisano identified the key lesson IBM has learned over 100 years: In order to succeed for the long term, you must manage for the long term.
“For IBMers, long-term thinking means continually moving to the future,” he said. “IBM has survived and thrived for 100 years by remaining true to our core values, while being ready to change everything else. This has allowed us to transform technology, business and society through our first century, and we believe it will enable us to achieve even more in our second.”
One of the oldest living IBM alumni, Luis A. Lamassonne is 105 years old and resides in Miami, Florida. He joined IBM in 1933 and worked at the company for 38 years, rising to become an executive in Latin America.
Reflecting on IBM’s Centennial today, Lamassonne said, “IBM has always been one of the best companies. The company is special because of the people. I have faith that IBM will survive for many more years, for another century.”
IBM will use its Centennial to engage with business leaders, academia, clients and local communities in the 170 countries the company does business through a year-long initiative.
Photo courtesy: IBM
