Sony Corp. Names Hirai President and CEO

1 Feb, 2012 By: Chris Tribbey

---

Sony Corp. Feb. 1 installed Kazuo Hirai as president and CEO, replacing Sir Howard Stringer, effective April 1.

Stringer, who served as CEO and president, will become chairman of the board of directors beginning in June.

Stringer said the search for his successor began in early 2009, and Hirai stood out due to his work with the company’s PlayStation and networked entertainment businesses.

“Kaz is a globally focused executive for whom technology and the cloud are familiar territory, content is highly valued and digital transformation is second nature,” he said. “I believe his tough-mindedness and leadership skills will be of great benefit to the company and its customers in the months and years ahead.”

Hirai also is expected to be appointed to the board at Sony’s June shareholders meeting.

“The path we must take is clear: to drive the growth of our core electronics businesses — primarily digital imaging, smart mobile and game; to turn around the television business; and to accelerate the innovation that enables us to create new business domains,” Hirai said. “The foundations are now firmly in place for the new management team and me to fully leverage Sony’s diverse electronics product portfolio, in conjunction with our rich entertainment assets and growing array of networked services, to engage with our customers around the world in new and exciting ways.”

Bookmark it: