Director Declaration

IBM
                  

Joan E. Spero Elected To IBM Board Of Directors

The IBM Board of Directors today elected Joan E. Spero to the Board,
effective January 1, 2004. Ms. Spero, 59, is president of the Doris
Duke Charitable Foundation.

Samuel J. Palmisano, IBM chairman and chief executive officer,
said: 'Joan Spero's significant executive experience as a business and
government leader will make her a valuable addition to our Board. We
are delighted she is joining us.'

Ms. Spero started her career as an assistant professor in
political science at Columbia University in 1973. She served as U.S.
Ambassador to the United Nations for Economic and Social Affairs from
1980 to 1981. From 1981 to 1993 Ms. Spero held several positions with
American Express Company, the last being executive vice president,
corporate affairs and communications. From 1993 to 1996 Ms. Spero
served as U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic, Business and
Agricultural Affairs. Ms. Spero assumed her current position with the
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation in 1997. 

Ms. Spero holds a bachelor's degree from the University of
Wisconsin and a master's degree in international affairs and a
doctorate in political science from Columbia University. She is a
director of Delta Air Lines, Inc., and First Data Corporation.