All shook up
Sony has is soon to implement a fairly major reshuffle of the top level management at its Computer Entertainment division, which will see current President and CEO (and father of the 'PlayStation') Kaz Hirai take a new role as Chairman of SCE. Hirai is to be replaced by current Sony Computer Entertainment Europe President, Andrew House.
Given the close proximity to the recent wave of attacks on various Sony websites and, most prominently the PlayStation Network, it's not necessarily unreasonable to assume that the difficult times at Son are a driving force behind the management reshuffle. However, Hirai has oft been touted as a likely successor to Sony Chairman Howard Stringer so there is always the possibility that Sony is getting his replacement in place before allowing Hirai to make a move from Son Computer Entertainment to Sony's central corporate structure.
With the latest SCE product - the handheld PlayStation Vita console - soon to launch, it's certainly a busy time for Andrew House to take over from Hirai. Adding the pressure to supply the Vita a more successful legacy successful than that of the PlayStation Portable (and its successors) will be no small feat.
How hands on Hirai will remain in his new position is unclear, but the implication is that House will be taking over day-to-day operations leaving Hirai to focus on nobler tasks. No doubt we'll find out when the full changeover will happen in August, after current SCE Chairman, Akira Sato, steps down and Kaz Hirai swoops into his place.
