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Person

John Opel

IBM president (1974–1983) and chief executive (1981–1985).

3 links, 2 backed by primary records

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Dates
1925 – 3 Nov 2011
Also known as
John R. Opel, John Roberts Opel
Over time
  1. Life 1925 – 3 Nov 2011
  2. worked at IBM (President) 1974–1983
  3. CEO of IBM 1981–1985

John Opel spent four decades at IBM: president from 1974, chief executive from 1981 to 1985. The IBM PC was launched as he became CEO.

He also sat on the national board of the United Way with Mary Maxwell Gates. When Microsoft was mentioned to him in 1980, the Seattle Times reported, he answered: “Oh, that’s run by Bill Gates, Mary Gates’ son.”

Connections 3

CEO of

  • IBM 1981–1985 Primary record 1

worked at

  • IBM 1974–1983 President Primary record 1

board member of

Timeline 3 dates
  1. 1925 – 3 Nov 2011 John Opel
  2. 1974–1983 John Opel worked at IBM
  3. 1981–1985 John Opel CEO of IBM
Proof 3 sources
  1. John Opel, IBM. Primary record
    as president of IBM from 1974 to 1983, CEO from 1981 to 1985, and chairman of the board in 1983.
  2. Mary Gates: She's Much More Than Just The Mother Of Billionaire Bill, The Seattle Times, 9 Jan 1994. Scholarship & press
    In 1980, IBM President John Opel had already spent a couple of years on the national board of United Way with Mary.
  3. Mary Gates Dies: Cancer Claims Longtime Seattle Civic Leader And Mother Of Microsoft Founder Bill Gates, The Seattle Times, 10 Jun 1994. Scholarship & press
    Opel served with Mrs. Gates on United Way's national board at the time.
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