Thomas Watson, a businessman holds a place, in history as the first chairman and CEO of International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). Born on February 17 1874 in Campbell, New York he passed away on June 19 1956 in New York City.
Back in 1914 Watson joined the Computing Tabulating Recording Company (CTR) which later transformed into IBM. His pivotal role in expanding the companys influence and establishing IBM as a leading manufacturer of punch card based data processing machines has shaped the computer industry.
Watsons leadership saw IBM diversify its product line introduce sales and marketing strategies and prioritize customer service. His famous motto, "Think " encapsulated his belief in the potential of information processing machines, for businesses and society.
Throughout his tenure Watsons business acumen and thinking guidance drove IBM to become an enterprise. Although he stepped down as CEO in 1956 and passed away he remained a Chairman of the Board until his death.
The contributions Thomas Watson made to IBM and the computer industry have left a mark positioning him among the pioneering figures of computing.