Transformational Leader Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. To Take Stage at GBTA 2012 Masters Program

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)-the voice of the global business travel industry-today announced Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., former IBM Corporation chairman of the board, will be a keynote speaker at the prestigious 2012 Masters Program being held at the Mandarin Hotel in Washington, D.C., February 6-7, 2012. By rewarding teamwork, embracing a take charge culture and improving employee morale with the introduction of pay for performance, Mr. Gerstner's transformational leadership unleashed one of the most improbable turnaround stories in corporate history.

"During his tenure, Mr. Gerstner architected a dynamic transformation within IBM. He understands the importance of a strong corporate culture and the challenges of growing a business in a difficult economic climate," said Michael W. McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO. "After three decades of experience as one of the most successful and effective CEOs in modern time, I look forward to hearing his insight on our most pressing issues."

Gerstner was chairman of the board of IBM Corporation from April 1993 until his retirement in December 2002. He served as chief executive officer of IBM from 1993 until March 2002. In January 2003, he assumed the position of chairman of The Carlyle Group, a global private equity firm located in Washington, DC. He retired from that position in October 2008 but currently serves as senior advisor.

Prior to joining IBM, Gerstner served for four years as chairman and chief executive officer of RJR Nabisco, Inc. This was preceded by an 11-year career at American Express Company, where he was president of the parent company and chairman and CEO of its largest subsidiary, American Express Travel Related Services Company.

A lifetime advocate of the importance of quality education, Gerstner created The Teaching Commission in 2003 to develop specific policy recommendations to deal with the teaching crisis in America. From 1996 to 2002, he chaired Achieve, an organization created by the U.S. Governors and business leaders to drive high academic standards for public schools throughout the U.S. At IBM he established Reinventing Education as a strategic partnership with 21 states and school districts which utilize IBM technology and technical assistance to eliminate key barriers to school reform and improve student performance. Gerstner has received numerous awards for his work in education.

Gerstner received a bachelor's degree in engineering from Dartmouth College and Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. He has been a member of several academic councils and institutions.

The GBTA Masters Program is an annual event that provides executive-level attendees with the opportunity to hear from some of the most respected world class leaders while learning about the strategies and business philosophies that have made them and their organizations successful. To register to attend the Masters Program, visit gbta.org/masters.