Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai, affectionately known as kaz, has announced that hewill be stepping down as the CEO of Sony. Hirai has largely been credited with turning Sony’s fortunes around, taking it from an aging company to a highly focused corporation that plays well to its strengths.
Come end of March this year, the man who began his career in Sony Music Entertainment Japan will step down after six years as CEO, and enter into his new role as Chairman. In his stead, Kenichiro Yoshida, Sony’s CFO, will take up the mantle of CEO. In light of this change, Yoshida’s former role will then be taken up by the Hiroki Totoki, Sony’s Mobile Head and CSO.
No reasons were given by Sony for the change in leadership, but it is known that Hirai himself proposed the move.
“Mr. Yoshida combines a deeply strategic mindset with a relentless determination to achieve defined targets, and the ability to take a global viewpoint. I believe he possesses the breadth of experience and perspective, as well as the unwavering leadership qualities required to manage Sony’s diverse array of businesses, and as such is the ideal person to drive the company forward into the future. As Chairman, I will of course offer my full support to Mr. Yoshida and the new management team, and do all I can to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure their future success,” said Hirai in a press statement.
Yoshida was handpicked by Hirai himself to serve as Sony’s strategy chief. Together, the two made hard decision for the company, such as selling off its VAIO PC division; focusing on the company’s strengths, such as its PlayStation, components, and mobile camera divisions.
