Jerome Bailey York American businessman Date of Birth: 22.06.1938 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Rise in Corporate America
3. Influence at IBM and Wall Street
4. Partnerships with Kirk Kerkorian
5. Entrepreneurial Endeavors
6. Legacy and Final Years

Early Life and Education

Jerome York was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in Oakland Township, Michigan. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, then the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and finally the University of Michigan. York's education focused on engineering, but a sports-related injury prevented him from entering the military.

Rise in Corporate America

Starting in the automotive industry, York rose through the ranks to become Chief Financial Officer of Chrysler. In 1992, he left Chrysler for IBM, where he held the same position. At IBM, York led a team of managers in a major reorganization that saved the company an estimated $2 billion.

Influence at IBM and Wall Street

York's tenure at IBM greatly impacted the company's financial performance. His departure in 1999 caused IBM's stock to fall by 2%. Wall Street respected York's authority, and his departure was seen as a setback for the tech giant.

Partnerships with Kirk Kerkorian

After leaving IBM, York became an advisor to Kirk Kerkorian, who attempted to acquire Chrysler in 2007. York also collaborated with Kerkorian on numerous other projects. York served on the board of General Motors from 2006-2007, providing guidance that the company later regretted not taking seriously.

Entrepreneurial Endeavors

From 1999-2003, York served as Chairman and CEO of Micro Warehouse, which later filed for bankruptcy. He also held a board position at Apple Inc. after Steve Jobs' return in 1997. York had a keen interest in alternative energy, particularly wind power. He served as CFO and board member of USWind, a wind energy company he founded.

Legacy and Final Years

York continued to invest in innovative projects, such as developing a next-generation laptop. On March 17, 2010, he was admitted to the hospital after collapsing at his suburban Detroit home. It was later determined that he had suffered a brain aneurysm. York passed away on March 18, 2010.