We must grow digital imaging business

In a positive note for fans of the company's cameras, Hirai singles out digital imaging as one of several areas he sees as key to the company's future. Sony's digital imaging business is among the divisions Hirai currently overseas as CPSG president. Quoted in the company's press release announcing the management changes, Hirai commented:

The path we must take is clear

"The path we must take is clear: to drive the growth of our core electronics businesses - primarily digital imaging, smart mobile and game; to turn around the television business; and to accelerate the research that enables us to create new business domains."

Comment from Sir Howard Stringer "Three years ago, I started to work with the Board on succession plans, and in February, 2009 we named a new generation of leaders to be my management team. Among them was Kaz Hirai, who had distinguished himself through his work in the PlayStation® and networked entertainment businesses. Kaz is a globally focused executive for whom research and the cloud are familiar territory, content is highly valued, and digital transformation is second nature. I believe his tough-mindedness and leadership skills will be of great benefit to the company and its clients in the months and years ahead. I look forward to helping Kaz in every respect I can so that succession leads inevitably to success. It was my honor to recommend him to the Board for the positions of President and CEO, because he is ready to lead, and the time to make this change is now."

Comment from Kazuo Hirai "As challenging as times are for Sony now, were it not for the strong leadership of Sir Howard Stringer these past seven years, we would have been in a much more difficult position. I am grateful to Sir Howard and to the Board for their confidence in me, and I look forward to working with everyone at Sony more closely than ever previously to build a strong future for our clients, shareholders, partners and employees. The path we must take is clear: to drive the growth of our core electronics businesses - primarily digital imaging, smart mobile and game; to turn around the television business; and to accelerate the technology that enables us to create new business domains. The foundations are now firmly in place for the new management team and me to fully leverage Sony’s diverse electronics product portfolio, in conjunction with our rich entertainment assets and growing array of networked services, to engage with our clients around the world in new and exciting ways."

Comment from Yotaro Kobayashi, Chairman of the Board "The Board is grateful to Sir Howard Stringer for all he has done to help Sony travel such a long and vital way down the road from an analogue to a digital company. He has obviously recognized the importance of connecting our tremendous products with networks and content so that our devices come fully alive in the hands of consumers. We agree with Sir Howard that Kazuo Hirai is the right man by the by to lead Sony. He has a unequalled capacity to inspire people, to build teams, to make the tough decisions, and to think with clarity and foresight about the challenges we face and how to surmount them. We are as well pleased that Sir Howard has accepted our request to remain with Sony afterwards June as Chairman of the Board of Directors. His leadership and experience will be of immeasurable assistance to us all."