Ken Kutaragi, Chairman and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment International, has announced that he will be stepping down from his position and will be retiring in June. Kaz Hirai, the COO and president of SCEI will be taking his place as the head of PlayStation business and affairs.
Sony says that Kutaragi will stay on as honorary chairman of SCEI, and will serve as a senior technology advisor to Sony.
Kutaragi said, "I am happy to graduate from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. after introducing four platforms to the PlayStation family. It has been an exciting experience to change the world of computer entertainment by marrying cutting edge technologies with creative minds from all over the world. I’m looking forward to building on this vision in my next endeavors."
Ken Kutaragi is considered the "father of the PlayStation" and has served as the creative force behind the development of the PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3. Kutaragi has been known in the industry as an engineering marvel and also as a maverick that plays by his own rules. His independent style caused friction at Sony and most likely was the cause for his "promotion" from President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment to Chairman and Group CEO. While the move was, on paper, a promotion, his new role effectively took him out of the loop regarding the direction of SCEI.
Sir Howard Stringer, CEO of Sony Corp., said, "Ken Kutaragi is a rare combination of a powerful visionary and entrepreneur in one figure. Not only has he created a multi-billion dollar business for the Sony Group, he has brought the industry into a new dimension. Sony has benefited tremendously from his vision, his creative genius, and from the very strong team he assembled and nurtured. As Ken moves forward to pursue new opportunities, we will encourage and support him. My support also goes to Kazuo Hirai, who is a terrific executive with a proven track record with PlayStation business in the US. I am confident that he will inspire and lead SCEI to new heights."
