Larry Hirst
Larry Hirst | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1951 Batley, England |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1977–2010 (IBM) |
| Known for | Chairman of IBM Europe, Middle East and Africa (2008–2010) |
| Awards | CBE (2007) |
Larry Hirst CBE served as the chairman of IBM for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions, a position he assumed in April 2008 and held until his retirement in July 2010.
In this capacity, he acted as IBM’s representative to key organizations such as the European Commission, NATO, and the European Defence Agency (EDA), focusing on international public policy and regulatory matters affecting business. Additionally, Hirst managed initiatives related to corporate social responsibility, environmental programs, intellectual property rights, standards formulation, and academic partnerships throughout these territories.
Prior to this appointment, from 2002 to 2008, he was responsible for overseeing IBM's operations in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Beginning his tenure at IBM as a sales trainee in 1977, his career progression included roles such as Director of Operations for Eastern Europe and Russia between 1990 and 1991, followed by Vice President of the Financial Services Sector for EMEA from 1994 until 2001.
Hirst has been actively involved in advancing education and information technology development. He chaired the Steering Committee for 'Transition to Teaching' and led e-skills UK—the Sector Skills Council dedicated to IT, telecommunications, and contact centers. In 2007, he was appointed as a Commissioner on the UK Government’s Commission for Employment and Skills. The following year, he took on the role of Chairman of the UK Trade and Investment Executive Board, where he contributed to promoting trade and investment strategies within the telecoms and IT industries.
On an international level, Hirst is a member of the Foundation Board at IMD business school in Switzerland and serves as an advisor to South Africa’s Presidential Advisory Council on Information Society and Development (PIAC).
Born in Batley in 1951, Hirst holds a mathematics degree from Hull University. His professional journey began at Kodak before transitioning to IBM London as a sales trainee in 1977.
In December 2009, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown appointed him as a private sector Business Ambassador tasked with showcasing British excellence. Larry Hirst was honored with a C.B.E. in the 2007 New Year Honours for his contributions to the information technology sector.
Personal life
It was reported that Larry Hirst was too ill to attend the 2013 trial involving IBM UK Holdings, where he previously held positions as general manager and chief executive.