| (1914
- 1993) |
| Inducted: |
1976 |
| Region: |
West |
| Industry: |
Computers
|
|
Tom Watson, Jr. took over IBM from his father Tom, Sr. in 1952. His first significant step was to scrap his father’s rather autocratic management style, which he believed was retarding decision-making. He aptly understood that IBM’s success would depend not only on its salesmen but even more on a rapidly growing phalanx of scientist and electronic engineers. By 1956, IBM had opened a clear lead in a market that proved to be far larger than anybody had imagined. Watson pushed IBM to move forward, faster by encouraging research teams within the company to compete for innovation. His strategy worked. Shares of IBM stock were worth $36 billion more when he stepped down that when he took over. |
