Kaz Hirai Steps Down as Sony CEO

Kazuo "Kaz" Hirai, who spent years as Sony's most recognizable faces, is stepping down from his role as CEO and taking the role of chairman on April 1st.

Hirai will be replaced by chief financial officer Kenichiro Yoshida Sony announced. The duo has worked together in the past few years, improving Sony's gaming, phone, and component divisions.

"As the company approaches a crucial juncture, when we will embark on a new mid-range [corporate] 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," Hirai said in a press release statement.

Hirai rose through the Sony Computer Entertainment by popularizing the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. He was made the president of Sony Computer Entertainment after the PS3's launch, replacing Ken Kutaragi who is known as the "Father of PlayStation." Hirai remained in charge of Sony's gaming division until 2011, where he moved to Sony HQ ahead of his 2012 appointment as CEO of the whole company.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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