Nikkei reports today that Kaz “599 US Dollars” Hirai has been officially named President of Sony Entertainment.
The position had been held interim by Howard Stringer, and it has been speculated since November of 2010 that either Hirai or TV/Camera head Hiroshi Yoshioka would take the position. Stringer, who will continue to serve as CEO and Chairman for Sony, finally stepped aside and appears to have made public his decision.
This comes at a perfect time, with 2012 just starting, a new generation of platforms (likely) just around the bend, a time of fresh jumping off points for the company to get back into stride. This last generation saw Sony’s extreme Playstation dominance fall into steep decline after over a decade with little to no challenge.
With Sony’s gaming headmaster now leading the pack for the company, can Kaz re-emphasize the Playstation label and revitalize that brand’s dominion? By the time 2012 ends, we should have a better idea of his direction and what, if any, changes are to come. One can only assume that they include Ridge Racer.
4 Comments
I remember being impressed with this guy at the Sony press conference in 2011. I think we even talked about the possibility of him taking over.
Yeah, he’s not a bad guy at all. He’s made some PR gaffs in the past, but all the companies are guilty of that.
Kaz is my favorite of the major executives at both Sony and between the three big companies. It is kind of strange that Microsoft hasn’t managed to find a solid face for the XBox brand since J Allard left. I mean, there’s Major Nelson, but he’s barely involved with the console development.
Kaz and Jack Trenton are awesome and have great chemistry. I love them so much. Sony 4 lyfe.