Kutaragi Leaving Sony in June
The end of an age is upon us.
After 32 years that included serving as midwife at the births of three generations of the PlayStation, Ken Kutaragi is calling it quits at Sony.
Snapped by Kikizo, Sept 2006 - Kutaragi talked about his vision of the future and said the next ten years could be more exciting than the last.Though he'll stay on at the company in an honorary position and serve as a senior technology advisor to Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer, Kutaragi will retire from his current role as chairman and CEO of SCEI at the firm's next shareholder meeting, on 19 June.
Kutaragi said in a statement that 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".
Kutaragi introducing the PS3 at E3 2006According to Sony, he will be using his newfound time to "pursue his dreams beyond PlayStation and to accelerate his network vision".
Taking over Kutaragi's remaining duties will be Kaz Hirai, the former head of Sony's American games business who was moved to Japan in December 2006, after the PlayStation 3's tumultuous launch in North America and Japan.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo
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