Which CEO of Sony led the company's turnaround in the 2010s?

Kazuo Hirai led Sony's turnaround in the 2010s. He became the company's president and CEO in April 2012, succeeding Howard Stringer during a difficult period for Sony's electronics business.

Hirai introduced a more focused strategy often associated with the “One Sony” approach. Under his leadership, Sony restructured struggling operations, sold its VAIO personal-computer business, separated television operations, and concentrated more heavily on gaming, imaging, entertainment, and mobile products.

His background helped shape that strategy. Hirai had spent much of his career in Sony's music and PlayStation businesses, eventually leading Sony Computer Entertainment before taking charge of the wider corporation. The PlayStation division's profitability and global reach were important assets during Sony's recovery.

A common mix-up is Howard Stringer, who was Sony's CEO before Hirai and also pursued reforms. However, Hirai is the executive most directly associated with Sony's resurgence during the 2010s. Kenichiro Yoshida succeeded him as president and CEO in April 2018, while Hirai became chairman.