Sony Corporation today announced that Kazuo Hirai has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2012. Howard Stringer, currently Chairman, CEO and President, will become Chairman of the Board of Directors in June, 2012.

Stringer recommended to the Sony Board of Directors that Hirai, currently Executive Deputy President, be his successor as President and CEO. Stringer will continue as Chairman of Sony Corporation until his ascension to the Board Chairmanship, which will become effective upon Board approval following the annual meeting of shareholders in June, when the current Chairman, Yotaro Kobayashi, will retire. Hirai is also expected to be appointed to the Board at the June shareholders meeting.