Will be transitioning to a new role in the company.
Kaz Hirai has been with Sony for a while, and this March, he’ll end his run as the company’s CEO. His replacement, current CFO Kenichiro Yoshida, will take over at the beginning of the next financial year. Mr. Hirai will step into a Chairman position at that time.
Yoshida might not garner the same overt household notoriety Kaz Hirai has, but you’re no doubt familiar with his work. During Hirai’s tenure as CEO, Yoshida put considerable effort and planning into turning the company’s finances around. He was, in fact, behind the One Sony strategy which accomplished that goal.
Regardless, Kaz Hirai made this statement in Sony’s press release on his transition away from the CEO position below:
Ever since my appointment as President and CEO in April 2012, I have stated that my mission is to ensure Sony continues to be a company that provides customers with kando – to move them emotionally – and inspires and fulfills their curiosity. To this end, I have dedicated myself to transforming the company and enhancing its profitability, and am very proud that now, in the third and final year of our current mid-range corporate plan, we are expecting to exceed our financial targets. And it excites me to hear more and more people enthuse that Sony is back again. 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. 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. 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.
Here’s hoping all the best for both Mr. Hirai and Mr. Yoshida in the future.
Source: The Verge
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