Sony President Kaz Hirai stepping down, to be replaced by Kenichiro Yoshida

Thirty-year Sony veteran leaving office

Sony have announced that President and CEO, Kazuo Hirai, is to step down from his role at the Japanese industry giant, a role he has served for a little over five years.

Hirai joined Sony’s music division in 1984, before eventually transitioning through to Sony Computer Entertainment in the mid-90s, where he would eventually become CEO. Kazuo progressed on to Sony Corporation in 2011 with his incredible journey culminating in his take the reins as Sony President in 2012, replacing Howard Stringer.

The Sony Nominating Committee proposed that Hirai step down into a Chairman role, but remaining on the Board of Directors. Executive Deputy President and Chief Financial Officer Kenichiro Yoshida has been confirmed to step into his new role of President and CEO.

“As the company approaches a crucial juncture, when we will embark on a new mid-range plan, I consider this to be the ideal time to pass the baton of leadership to new management, for the future of Sony and also for myself to embark on a new chapter in my life.” stated Hirai in a press release. “My successor, Kenichiro Yoshida, has supported me closely since returning to Sony in December 2013 , contributing extensively beyond his remit as CFO and acting as valuable confidant and business partner, as we took on the challenge of transforming Sony together.“

Yoshida himself spoke of his gratitude of working with Hirai, before immediately stating his desire to push Sony even further as a successful, globally-recognised brand. “I am very grateful to Kazuo Hirai and the Sony Board for their trust and confidence in appointing me as Sony President and CEO, and at the same time feel a great sense of responsibility in taking on this vitally important role,” said Yoshida. “This is a hugely exciting time at Sony as we look to our future, and together with my management team I intend to determine the best path for us to move forward, and devote my full effort to creating a better Sony that captures the imagination of our many stakeholders around the world.”

Hirai oversaw the development of multiple video game franchises, and has seen Sony through the launches of all four generations of PlayStation. Hirai’s final day in his current role will be April 1, 2018.