Sony Names Hiroki Totoki As Its New President

Sony Group Corp. said Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, it is promoting Hiroki Totoki, its executive deputy president and chief financial officer, to president and chief operating officer effective April 1, Mainichi Japan reported.

Photo Insert: Totoki, 58, will replace current President Kenichiro Yoshida, 63, marking the first change in the group's top post in five years.

Totoki, 58, will replace current President Kenichiro Yoshida, 63, marking the first change in the group's top post in five years, but he will also retain his position as chief financial officer. Yoshida will remain chairman and CEO with the right to represent the company.

"It is necessary to strengthen our group structure at a time of intense changes in the external environment from technological advancements to geopolitical risks," Yoshida said in a press conference.

"Totoki's strength is his strong will for growth, an important quality for an executive," he added. "He believes growth in the company will lead to growth in its employees."

The electronics giant, known for its iconic Walkman portable music players and PlayStation game consoles, has been diversifying its portfolio in recent years, announcing a 50-50 venture with Honda Motor Co. to make new electric vehicles, as well as aiming to enhance domestic production of semiconductors amid growing demand.

The firm was considering building a new plant in the southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto to produce chips for smartphones, according to reports last month.

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