Transforming Sony via PlayStation
In his recent statements acknowledging his decision to step down as CEO, Hirai spoke of his tenure as being defined by “transforming the company and enhancing its profitability”. Indeed, when Hirai moved from Sony Interactive Entertainment into the role of acting CEO in 2012, Sony was on the brink of serious trouble. Though the PlayStation brand had managed to claw back relative parity between itself and Xbox after its overpriced launch, Sony as a whole was on a downward trajectory. Having spent so much time at Sony Interactive and given his experience with the PlayStation brand, Hirai put a special priority on the PlayStation business to recover Sony’s fortunes.
The move paid dividends. By cutting back on Sony’s laptop and computer business, streamlining its TV line and investing in PlayStation, Hirai successfully reestablished Sony as an industry-leading electronics company.
