IBM seems likely to pick RJR's Gerstner as its CEO; probable choice is thought to be textbook manager who'd cut fat quickly

Article Abstract:

Executives familiar with IBM's secretive search for a new chief executive officer say the company plans to announce the choice of Louis V. Gerstner, 50, by the beginning of Apr 1993. However, both the timing and the selection could still change. IBM has already retained public relations agency Burson-Marsteller to help with the announcement. Gerstner, who consulted for McKinsey and Co and was president of America Express Co before taking his current position as chairman of RJR Nabisco Holdings Corp, is viewed as a top-flight manager but lacks computer industry experience. In essence, the choice indicates that the search committee has decided that IBM's many problems can be better handled by an experienced manager than by one with technical know-how. Gerstner's brother, Richard, recently retired from IBM, citing health reasons. If named as CEO, Louis Gerstner might give his brother a prominent role in running the company.

Electronic computers, Officials and employees, Computer industry, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Chief executive officers, Gerstner, Louis V., Jr., New Appointment

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Lotus is likely to abandon consumer-data project

Article Abstract:

Lotus Development Corp plans to cancel the development of its Lotus Marketplace software package, which is an electronic data base, because of growing social concerns about privacy issues. The software publisher's product contains shopping habits and personal data on 120 million US households. Lotus Marketplace provides marketers with detailed portraits of households so it is easier to ascertain where to send direct mail and what places are the best for telemarketing. Some people raise the concern that the easily accessible software product may provide false information or make it easy for marketers to breach the privacy of individuals. Lotus is expected to cancel the data base that includes information about individuals, but the company will continue to develop a business information data base.

Planning, Computer software industry, Software industry, Product information, Lotus Development Corp., LOTS, Lotus Marketplace (Data base)

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Hot lists; data mills delve deep to find information about U.S. consumers; folks inadvertently supply it by buying cars, mailing coupons, moving, dying; treasure for direct marketers

Article Abstract:

Personal information on US consumers is collected by data base providers for advertising purposes in ways about which consumers are unaware, raising a new social issue. Data bases that provide personal information about consumers are a billion dollar industry; they supply the information advertisers need to do direct marketing campaigns like junk mail and junk telephone calls. The ways this information is obtained is raising some concern revolving around privacy. One survey indicates that 80 percent of Americans are distressed over having personal information widely available to advertisers. The US Congress plans to hold hearings on the subject. Advertisers leave their less-effective mass-marketing agenda behind only when they know enough about the consumer to make the direct marketing effort.

Advertising agencies, Computer related services, not elsewhere classified, Database industry, Marketing, Direct marketing, Distribution channels, Marketing Strategy, Direct Market Channel, Data Base Producers

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