Ken Kutaragi To Retire From Executive Role
[intro]He went a bit mad lately, but he’s done as much (and possibly more) for the gaming industry as Miyamoto ever did for the gaming industry.
Comments from our old site:
Thomas on Thursday 26th April 2007 16:26:
He will now move into a 4D world[/intro]
Sony Computer have announced today that Ken Kutaragi, the Representative Director, Chairman and Group CEO at Sony Computer Entertainment will retire from his executive position effective June 19, 2007. Although he is steaping down from his posisiton Mr. Kutaragi will also continue to support Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman and CEO, Sony Corporation, as senior technology advisor. Concurrently, Kazuo Hirai, currently President and Group COO, SCEI, will be promoted to President and Group CEO, continuing his responsibility as the leader of the PlayStation business worldwide.
"I am happy to graduate from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. after introducing four platforms to the PlayStation family," said Ken Kutaragi, Chairman and Group CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "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 a rare combination of a powerful visionary and entrepreneur in one figure," said Howard Stringer, Chairman and CEO, Sony Corporation. "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 2/2 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."
rokhed00 on Thursday 26th April 2007 19:06:
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Thomas on Thursday 26th April 2007 19:22:
We have Kazuo "It's Ridge Racer!... Riiiiidge Raaaaaceeeerrrrrr!" Hirai now, it's not much of an upgrade
AKA Kazuo "The next generation doesn't start until we say it does" Hirai and Kazuo "Five-Hundred-Ninety-Nine US Dollars" Hirai :)
Alasdair on Friday 27th April 2007 15:13:
Is it just me or are Sony just being nice about firing him? I mean Sony are trailing in both handheld and home console markets, and they have made some spectacular mistakes recently, which must have cost them a lot of money. Someone had to take the blame.
Jam_sponge on Friday 27th April 2007 17:02:
That's corporate business for ya Shadows, once you get to a certain level in the chain it's almost impossible to get fired, they just 'retire', hehe...
Smalldude76 on Friday 27th April 2007 19:56:
Kind of a shame really. Despite being quite delusional about the current market, he did contribute a lot in creating a thriving videogame industry through the PlayStation brand and even work on the SNES (if I recall correctly, he worked on the processor).
Goodbye, scapegoat.
Anduril on Saturday 28th April 2007 04:05:
well honestly i've never been a big fan of the playstations anyways so it makes no difference to me
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