IBM, the world’s biggest provider of computer services, said Senior Vice President Mike Daniels is retiring after 36 years with the company.

Daniels, who managed services for the Armonk, New York- based company, will leave IBM on March 31, according to a regulatory filing today.

As the services chief, Daniels oversaw a business that accounted for about 60 percent of IBM’s revenue. He also was seen as a potential chief executive officer candidate before Ginni Rometty took the post a year ago. Daniels made his mark as a cost-cutter, helping boost IBM’s margins in recent years.

Daniels’ bio at IBM’s website:

“Mike Daniels has worldwide responsibility for Services, which includes outsourcing, consulting and systems integration, application management, integrated technology services, maintenance and technical services, and global delivery. Together, these businesses account for more than half of IBM revenue. IBM is the leading information technology (IT) services company in the world with operations in more than 170 countries. IBM helps clients of all sizes integrate IT with business insight to create and deliver value for their customers and shareholders.

“Previously, Mr. Daniels was general manager of IBM’s Sales and Distribution operations in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, with responsibility for sales and support of the full range of IBM’s information technology products, services, consulting offerings, and business solutions. Before that, he led Global Services in the Asia Pacific region.
Since joining IBM in 1976, Mr. Daniels has held a number of leadership positions in sales, marketing, and services, and was general manager of several services businesses, including Product Support Services, Availability Services, and Systems Solutions.

“He sits on the Board of Directors for Tyco International and serves as IBM’s Senior State Executive for Connecticut.

“Mr. Daniels is a graduate of Holy Cross College in Massachusetts with a degree in political science and serves as a Trustee at the College.”

Big Blue stock climbed 4.2 percent in 2012, marking its fourth straight year of gains.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) employs an estimated 10,000 people across North Carolina.

[IBM ARCHIVE: Check out 10 years of IBM stories as reported in WRAL Tech Wire.]