In one awkward clash with IBM Corp chief Louis Gerstner last month, reports the Wall Street Journal, Nicholas Donofrio, head of the mainframe division, was on stage pitching to corporate accounts at a videotaped conference when Mr Gerstner asked if he might interrupt: Of course, Lou, you can do anything you want, Donofrio responded, rattled by the chief executive’s arrival Would you like me to turn and face the corner? Mr Gerstner said that wouldn’t be necessary, and then told the customers that if they don’t get the service they need, You let me know; Donofrio declined to comment, but his spokesman says, Nick was delighted to have the chairman drop in… – of course he was…
