In his new role, Cohn will work in partnership with IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and the IBM executive leadership team on a range of business initiatives and external engagement, including business development, client services, public advocacy and client relationship management.
"Gary is a globally respected leader with deep experience operating at the centre of business and government," said Krishna.
"As a senior representative of IBM, his knowledge of technology and business transformation, combined with policymaking expertise, will bring unique value to our clients and stakeholders as we accelerate our hybrid cloud and AI strategy."
Prior to joining IBM, served as assistant to President Trump for Economic Policy and director of the National Economic Council from January 2017 until April 2018. His time there was short lived after a disagreement between the two over the decision to place more tariffs on steels and aluminium imports.
Cohn has also been publicly critical of Trump since his tenure saying that the president’s decision to not formally rebuke white supremacists in the aftermath of the Charlottesville rally caused him ‘distress’. In 2019, he also said that he was concerned that there was no one left in the white House to stand up tp Trump and "tell him what he doesn't want to hear."
Before serving in the White House, Cohn served as president and chief operating officer of The Goldman Sachs Group from 2006-2016.
"I am honoured to be joining IBM, one of the world's most important companies, providing technology that helps organisations be agile and resilient in unpredictable times," said Cohn.
"With the company's long history of innovation and transformation for every technology era, and a focused growth strategy that will capitalise on the enormous opportunity in hybrid cloud and AI, this is an exciting time to begin working alongside Arvind, the IBM team and IBM's incredible roster of clients."
IBM has also confirmed today the appointment of Martin Schroeter as CEO of the independent company that will be created following the separation of its Managed Infrastructure Services business ("NewCo"), effective January 15.
