| Ken Kutaragi Steps Down From Playstation Role (SCE) |
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| Written by Rivithed | |||
| Friday, 27 April 2007 | |||
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The "Father of PlayStation" will be retiring his role as chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) and become honorary chairman. Kazuo "Kaz" Hirai will become the new chief executive.
From Reuters: "Known as the "Father of PlayStation," Kutaragi, 56, took a lead role in the invention of the Sony game console in 1994 and the PlayStation 2 in 2000. Known as a company black sheep, he bucked consensus to turn video games into a cash cow, but lately has seen his status diminish." Kutaragi "dominated two generations of console cycles, which was unheard of in the industry," said Jupiter Research analyst Michael Gartenberg. Sony Computer Entertainment said Kutaragi's departure "had nothing to do with the slow debut of the PS3." The end of a gaming era for the PlayStation or the chance for a new beginning? We'll have to see how this unfolds for Sony and the PS3, and "Kaz." Read more from Reuters.
About Ken Kutaragi: As president and group chief executive officer of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., the Tokyo-based headquarters of the PlayStation business, Ken Kutaragi is the visionary and driving force behind the company. Having assumed his present role in 1999, Kutaragi is responsible for the overall management of the company’s worldwide operations. Best known as the “father of PlayStation,” Kutaragi conceptualized and brought to market the original PlayStation game console in 1994 and, in doing so, revolutionized in-home entertainment throughout the world. Having a long history with Sony Corporation that spans 28 years, Kutaragi is directly responsible for his division’s creation in 1993. During its 10 years in operation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. has significantly changed the gaming landscape, elevating the business to mainstream levels and forging new frontiers in consumer-based computer entertainment. Today, PlayStation is one of the best-selling consumer electronics devices of all time, closing in on its 101-million-unit mark worldwide. PlayStation revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. The company has also entered the portable market by launching one of the most advanced handheld entertainment systems, the PSP (PlayStation Portable). As a result, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is widely touted as the “crown jewel” of the Sony family. Named by BusinessWeek as one of the best managers in the publication’s January 2003 issue, Kutaragi is currently preparing the company for the next evolution of computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3, incorporating the world’s most advanced Cell processor with super computer like power, jointly developed by IBM and Toshiba Corporation, which will again elevate entertainment standards in the broadband era.
About Kazuo Hirai: Kazuo (Kaz) Hirai brings more than 20 years of experience with Sony to his position as president and group chief operating officer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., as well as serving as chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. In this role, Hirai is responsible for the day-to-day management of the company’s worldwide operations, including licensing, third party relations, business development, strategic planning, first party product development, marketing, sales, and network business group. A recognized leader in the interactive entertainment circles, Hirai played a pivotal role in elevating the industry to an important growth category that now tops Hollywood box office revenues. Recently named “mogul in the running” in Vanity Fair’s 2004 “New Establishment” list, and previously named as one of the most powerful executives in the business by Entertainment Weekly, Hirai has succeeded in evolving games as the third pillar next to music and movies, making the PlayStation brand synonymous with exceptional entertainment. During his tenure at Sony Computer Entertainment America, Hirai was actively involved in launching groundbreaking platforms including the original PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and most recently led the company’s entry into the portable entertainment arena with the launch of PlayStation Portable in North America. Hirai has led the company into new frontiers including the introduction of PlayStation 2 online gaming in 2002, building the largest online console gaming community with more than 2 million registered users. In addition to his current roles, Hirai continues serves as a board member of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., and reports directly to Ken Kutaragi, one of the company’s founding members. Hirai joined Sony Computer Entertainment America in August 1995, with responsibility for the operational management of the company under the former president. Before that, Hirai worked in Sony Music Japan’s New York office coordinating the marketing of Sony Music Japan artists in the U.S. Hirai began his career with CBS/Sony Inc. (now Sony Music Entertainment Japan) in April 1984 where he was instrumental in the marketing coordination of international music in Japan and later headed the international business affairs department. Hirai received his bachelor of liberal arts degree from the International Christian University in Tokyo.
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