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PlayStation overlord and Riiiidge Racer meme generator Kaz Hirai has announced he will be stepping down from his role as Sony CEO this year. He’s not leaving the company however; rather, the likeable executive will instead assume the role of Director and Chairman, effective April 1.
Hirai was appointed President and CEO of the tech giant back in 2012, and was tasked with injecting profitability back into the business after sluggish mobile and TV sales. Yoshida meanwhile is currently serving as Sony’s CFO, Director, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, and Executive Deputy President.
Variety reports that Hirai decided to leave his role as CEO due to the fact he’s grown tired of maintaining the travel schedule that comes as part and parcel of the gig over the past six years. He now plans to spend more time with his family in California.
‘Ever since my appointment as President and CEO in April 2012, I have stated that my mission is to ensure Sony continues to be a company that provides customers with kando–to move them emotionally–and inspires and fulfills their curiosity,’ said Hirai.
‘As the company approaches a crucial juncture, when we will embark on a new mid-range 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.’
‘Together with the outstanding talent we have across the Sony Group, I will aim to build on the business foundations established by Mr. Hirai, and execute further reform measures that enhance our competitiveness as a global enterprise, and enable us to realize long-term profit growth,’ added Yoshida.
Hirai has been a long-time member of the Sony club, having joined the company’s music division back in 1984. He later transferred to Sony Computer Entertainment America in 1995 and was a key figure in the launch of both the PS2 and PS3, the former of which is the best-selling home console of all time.
However, Kaz will probably be forever remembered for heading up Sony’s hilariously bad E3 press conference, which spawned a generation of memes such as the aforementioned Riiiidge Racer, the Giant Enemy Crab, and the notorious $599 PS3 price reveal.
