Arvind Krishna

Arvind Krishna is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IBM. As a business leader and technologist, he has led the building and expansion of new markets for IBM in artificial intelligence, cloud, quantum computing, and blockchain. He has also played a significant role in the development of innovative IBM products and solutions based on these emerging technologies.

Over his 30-year career at IBM, Arvind led a series of bold transformations and delivered proven business results. He most recently drove the successful $34 billion acquisition of Red Hat – the largest software acquisition – that has defined the hybrid cloud market. Together, IBM and Red Hat give clients the unique ability to build mission-critical applications once and run them anywhere.

Arvind previously was senior vice president of Cloud and Cognitive Software, where he pioneered the company’s hybrid cloud business, transformed IBM’s entire software and services portfolio and offerings for cloud, and grew the business. He also headed IBM Research, where he drove innovation in core and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, cloud platform services, data-driven solutions, and nanotechnology. In 2016, Wired Magazine selected Arvind as “one of 25 geniuses who are creating the future of business” for his foundational work on blockchain.

As general manager of IBM Systems and Technology Group’s development and manufacturing organization, Arvind led the strategy for data-centric systems and the widespread industry adoption of open and collaborative technology standards. He also grew the IBM Information Management business by 50 percent.

At IBM, Arvind has been an outspoken advocate for learning at every stage of one’s career. He has made scientific contributions in a number of technical fields, including wireless networking, security, systems, and databases. In addition, he founded IBM’s security software business and helped create the world’s first commercial wireless system.

Arvind is a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, and he serves on the Board of Directors of Northrop Grumman. Arvind has an undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is the recipient of distinguished alumni awards from both institutions.

Arvind Krishna was born into a Telugu-speaking family in the West Godavari District of the Coastal Andhra region in Andhra Pradesh, India. His father, Major General Vinod Krishna, was a distinguished army officer who served in the Indian Army, while his mother, Aarathi Krishna, dedicated her efforts to the welfare of Army widows. Growing up in a family with a strong sense of service and discipline, Arvind Krishna developed a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

Arvind's educational journey began at Stanes Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, and later at St Joseph's Academy in Dehradun. These early years shaped his academic pursuits and laid the groundwork for his future success. In 1985, he earned a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, a renowned institution for engineering education in India. His academic excellence earned him distinguished alumni awards from both IIT Kanpur and the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign.

Following his undergraduate studies, Arvind Krishna embarked on a journey to the United States to further his education and career. He pursued a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, completing his doctorate in 1991. This marked the beginning of his profound contributions to the field of technology and innovation.

In 1990, Arvind Krishna joined IBM, a company known for its pioneering work in technology and research. He became a part of IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center, where he spent 18 years, actively contributing to groundbreaking research and development projects. 

Throughout his career at IBM, Arvind Krishna held various key positions, including General Manager roles in Information Management Software and Systems and the Technology Group. In 2015, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of IBM Research, where he continued to drive innovation and lead groundbreaking initiatives. His tenure also saw significant advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, quantum computing, and blockchain technology.

Arvind Krishna's leadership was instrumental in IBM's strategic moves, including the landmark $34 billion acquisition of Red Hat in July 2019. This acquisition marked a significant shift in IBM's focus towards open-source software and cloud computing.

In January 2020, Arvind Krishna was appointed as the CEO of IBM, effective April 6, 2020, succeeding Ginni Rometty, who had served as CEO since 2012. As CEO, Arvind Krishna has continued to steer IBM towards new horizons in technology and innovation.

Arvind Krishna's vision is centered on leveraging cutting-edge technology to address the complex challenges of our rapidly evolving world. He envisions a future where artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced data analytics are harnessed to drive innovation and solve some of society's most pressing problems. With a commitment to ethical and responsible use of technology, he envisions a world where AI and quantum computing empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions, improve healthcare, enhance environmental sustainability, and drive economic growth.

Furthermore, Arvind Krishna's vision extends beyond technology itself. He envisions a more inclusive and equitable future where technology bridges gaps, creates opportunities, and uplifts underserved communities. His vision emphasizes the importance of collaboration among industry, academia, and governments to accelerate progress and ensure that the benefits of technological advancement are accessible to all. Through leadership and innovation, Arvind Krishna seeks to shape a future where technology is a force for positive change, transforming the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us.