Ms. Rometty, 54, is well known within the technology industry, but not widely beyond. She will become the first female chief executive officer in IBMs 100-year history. The Armonk, New York-based company said yesterday she will succeed Sam Palmisano in the role effective Jan. 1. Palmisano. Rometty said she has grown the most in her career through experiential learning..I learned to always take on things Id never done before .Ms. Rometty is a leader in diversity initiatives including IBMs Women in Technology Council and the Women's Leadership Council, and is one of the senior sponsors of the Women's Executive Council. She is a frequent speaker at industry and business conferences, and has been named to Fortune magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women in Business for seven consecutive years, including most recently in 2011.