ibm Executives | Leadership Team & Company Leadership

Date August 22, 2025
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ibm

COMPANY INFO

The actual company name is International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). It was founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company by George Winthrop Fairchild, Charles Ranlett Flint, and Herman Hollerith. IBM has approximately 270,300 employees as of 2024. The company's website is ibm.com, and it operates primarily in the information technology industry. IBM is a multinational technology company that provides a wide range of products and services including automation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, consulting, and quantum computing. It is known for its innovation in computing hardware, software, and services, helping clients solve complex business problems and drive digital transformation globally.

10 Key IBM Executives

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a global leader in information technology, specializing in automation, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, consulting, and quantum computing. Founded in 1911 as Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company, IBM is renowned for driving digital transformation and innovation worldwide.

The IBM leadership team is recognized for its diverse expertise in technology, business transformation, finance, and global operations. The background of the IBM management team spans deep industry knowledge, technical prowess, and significant international experience—key strengths that propel IBM’s ongoing innovation and impressive scale. The IBM executives collaborate to shape vision and strategy, foster a robust culture of research and development, and continuously evolve the company in response to global market demands.

Key Executives

Arvind Krishna - Chairman and CEO

Arvind Krishna is the Chairman and CEO of IBM, leading the company in advancing the future of digital transformation through hybrid cloud and AI technologies. Since assuming the CEO role in April 2020 and Chairman role in January 2021, Arvind has prioritized innovation and growth, particularly by steering IBM’s focus towards cutting-edge technology solutions and elevating IBM’s presence as a trusted technology partner globally.

Arvind holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. His 30-plus years at IBM include critical leadership roles such as Senior Vice President of Cloud and Cognitive Software and Director of IBM Research. He is a recipient of the IBM Outstanding Technical Achievement Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

James J. Kavanaugh - Senior Vice President and CFO

James J. Kavanaugh leads IBM’s worldwide financial operations as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Overseeing everything from accounting and investor relations to corporate strategy, James has played a central role in IBM’s transformation into a data-driven cognitive enterprise since taking the CFO helm in 2018.

He earned an MBA from The Ohio State University and a BS from the University of Dayton. James joined IBM in 1996 after previous roles at AT&T, rising through multiple finance and operations leadership roles, including Controller and VP of Finance for IBM’s global Sales and Distribution.

Manish Gupta - Chief Technology Officer

Manish Gupta is IBM’s CTO, leading research initiatives aimed at breakthrough technologies, particularly in IT services, systems, and innovations across growth markets. Under Manish’s guidance, IBM Research made significant advances, such as innovations in Mobile Web technologies and the development of the IBM Blue Gene supercomputer.

Manish received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, MS from The Ohio State University, and B.Tech from IIT Delhi. Since joining IBM in 2008, he has held leadership roles, including Associate Director, and is an ACM Distinguished Scientist and member of the IBM Academy of Technology.

Jonathan H. Adashek - Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Jonathan H. Adashek oversees IBM’s global Marketing, Communications, and Corporate Social Responsibility, aligning the company’s brand under “Let’s create” to advance IBM’s hybrid cloud and AI mission. Jonathan also manages federal client business development and oversees strategic communication initiatives worldwide.

Jonathan’s nearly 30-year career spans marketing and communications leadership in technology, automotive, manufacturing, government, retail, finance, and energy. He previously held executive roles at Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance, Nissan Motor Co., Microsoft, and Edelman. He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Nickle J. LaMoreaux - Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Nickle LaMoreaux leads IBM’s global HR, championing employee experience, skills development, and talent strategies for more than 275,000 employees. Nickle is shaping IBM’s culture through leadership development, performance management, and integrating acquired talent, most notably during the Red Hat acquisition.

She holds a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and an MBA from Duke University. With over 20 years at IBM, Nickle has steered HR strategy across services, software, and emerging markets.

Rob Thomas - Senior Vice President, Software and Chief Commercial Officer

Rob Thomas oversees IBM’s software business—including global product, development, business and revenue—serving as a driving force behind IBM’s transition to AI and analytics. Rob directed major acquisitions totaling over $12 billion, further strengthening IBM’s capabilities in software solutions.

Rob’s 20-year IBM tenure includes leadership in consulting, microelectronics, and software. He holds degrees from Vanderbilt University and The University of Florida, and is the author of several books on big data and AI.

Mohamad Ali - Senior Vice President, IBM Consulting

Mohamad Ali leads IBM Consulting, directing global business transformation and technology services through industry expertise and strategic partnerships. Mohamad is responsible for driving client solutions and expanding the company’s consulting footprint by leveraging IBM technology and AI.

He holds degrees in Computer Engineering, History, and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. Prior to joining IBM, Mohamad served as CEO of IDG and Carbonite, and was Chief Strategy Officer at Hewlett Packard.

Ana Paula Assis - Senior Vice President, EMEA and Growth Markets

Ana Paula Assis directs IBM’s operations in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and key growth markets, focusing on revenue growth, client relationships, and market development. She played a crucial role in the successful separation of Kyndryl and advancing IBM’s leadership in dynamic regions.

Ana Paula brings over 25 years of international IT leadership with experience across Latin America, the US, and China. She holds a Computer Science degree and MBAs from Fundação Getulio Vargas and Fundação Dom Cabral.

Kelly C. Chambliss - Senior Vice President, IBM Consulting, Americas

Kelly Chambliss leads IBM Consulting in the Americas, where she focuses on hybrid cloud and AI growth, client transformation, and employee empowerment. Kelly has enhanced IBM Consulting’s strategic direction and client delivery in North and South America.

Kelly joined IBM via the PwC Consulting acquisition, where she was a Partner. She holds a Management Science degree from Virginia Tech, and serves on several boards, earning recognition from Business Insider and Fortune.

Gary D. Cohn - Vice Chairman

Gary D. Cohn serves as Vice Chairman, offering strategic guidance and leadership across IBM’s corporate strategy and growth initiatives. Gary’s insights and direction are vital for IBM’s future investments and partnerships.

Gary’s experience includes Director of the National Economic Council and Chief Operating Officer at Goldman Sachs. He holds degrees from American University and the University of Virginia.

Company Leadership

The IBM leadership team exemplifies a blend of technical innovation, global business acumen, and transformative strategy. With deep roots in both technology and industry expertise, the IBM management team is strategically positioned to guide the company through ongoing industry shifts and advancements. Their collective experience ensures IBM maintains its status as a leader in technology, supporting clients, employees, and stakeholders on a global scale.

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