Ben-DutkaToday, Sony has big news in the corporate realm: SCEI and Sony have announced an Executive Management Transition , which involves (you guessed it) Ken Kutaragi.
Kutaragi, currently the Representative Director, Chairman and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. will be retiring from his executive position at SCEI on June 19, 2007, at the time of the annual shareholders meeting. As the release says, Kutaragi will "pass the toch to the next generation," and will now serve as Honorary Chairman of SCEI.
Kutaragi will also continue to assist and support Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman and CEO of the Sony Corporation in the role of senior technology advisor. Of course, they'll need someone to replace Kutaragi, and that someone is Kazuo Hirai, who is currently President and Group COO of SCEI. Hirai will be promoted to President and Group CEO, continuing his responsibilities as the leader of the PlayStation business worldwide.
Known as the "Father of PlayStation," Kutaragi is looking forward to other endeavors.
"I am happy to graduate from Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. after introducing four platforms to the PlayStation family," said Kutaragi. "It has been an exciting experience to change the world of computer entertainment by marrying cutting edge technologies with creative minds from all over the world. I'm looking forward to building on this vision in my next endeavors."
Stringer also called Kutaragi a "rare combination of a powerful visionary and entrepreneur," and believes Sony "has benefited tremendously from his vision." So now, with a new generation comes a new leader, and Hirai is the man. He's got some big shoes to fill, but Sony is confident in their selection.
