Electronics and entertainment giant Sony Corp. promoted executives in charge of its video game and entertainment units Monday under larger changes aimed at strengthening its home network businesses.
Ken Kutaragi, who made the Sony PlayStation console a major moneymaker, will become executive deputy president of Sony in addition to his current duties as chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment and Sony director.
Howard Stringer, chief executive of Sony Corp. of America and head of the entertainment group, will become Sony vice chairman.
The appointments are effective Tuesday, Sony said in a statement.
Kutaragi has been viewed as a candidate to someday head Sony, and his promotion is a clear sign he is gaining power in the overall company, not just in its video game operations.
To emphasize their global management responsibilities, Sony Chief Executive Nobuyuki Idei will also serve as chief executive of the Sony Group, and Kunitake Ando will become chief operating officer of the group as well as of the company.
Sony also said it will group its businesses into seven units to come up with new strategies.
The home network company will focus on next-generation TVs and other Internet-linking products, while the broadband network company will develop devices and linkages to game machines, it said.
The other units include an IT and mobile solutions network and broadband game businesses.