Earlier this week, Sony announced that when current CEO and President Sir Howard Stringer steps down in April, he will be replaced by none other than current Sony Computer Entertainment boss Kaz Hirai, pictured to the right.
Hirai is currently responsible for overseeing all of Sony's gaming business including their PlayStation efforts and Sony Online Entertainment, who are best known for the likes of EverQuest I & II, PlanetSide 2 and many more of our beloved titles.
This is the first time that a PlayStation executive has been elevated to the lofty position of Sony CEO, where Hirai will oversee the company's entire operation. A move like this is more than just a nod to Hirai's success in helping see the PlayStation brand reach such heights; it is a nod to the plateau that video games have reached in the business world. Games are no longer being viewed as a niche market where a small portion of assets can be delegated or as an industry that big corporations can get into on the side.
Now, more than ever, video games are being seen as a legitimate and booming industry and it's great to see someone like Kaz Hirai supporting the relevance and staying power of this industry.
Kaz Hirai will take over from Sir Howard Stringer on April 1st, when he plans to review Sony's entire catalog and pull the plug on failing product lines.
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