Who was the CEO of Sony from 2012 to 2018?

Kazuo Hirai was the CEO of Sony from 2012 to 2018.

Hirai became Sony’s president and CEO in April 2012 after leading Sony Computer Entertainment, the division behind the PlayStation business. His promotion marked the rise of an executive with deep experience in games and entertainment rather than Sony’s traditional electronics operations.

During his tenure, Hirai pursued a turnaround strategy centered on imaging sensors, gaming, and entertainment while reducing emphasis on struggling consumer-electronics categories. The PlayStation 4 became a major commercial success, helping strengthen Sony’s financial position and global profile.

Hirai stepped down as president and CEO in April 2018 and became chairman of Sony Corporation. Kenichiro Yoshida, who had served as Sony’s chief financial officer and strategy leader, succeeded him as CEO. Howard Stringer was an earlier Sony CEO, while Nobuyuki Idei led the company before Stringer.