Samuel J. Palmisano
Samuel J. Palmisano (born July 30, 1951?) was president and chief executive officer of IBM until January 2012. He also served as Chairman of the company until October 1, 2012. Palmisano was appointed president and chief operating officer (COO) effective in October 2000. He was promoted to CEO in March 2002, while retaining the title of president, and named chairman effective January 1, 2003. Palmisano announced on October 25, 2011 that he was stepping aside as president and CEO. He was succeeded in these positions by Ginni Rometty. As of 2009 IBM was the largest IT company in the world and 45th largest company overall.