Sony Shakeup: Hiroki Totoki to Succeed Kenichiro Yoshida as CEO

Tokyo, December 26 - In a significant announcement on Wednesday, Sony Group Corp. revealed that Hiroki Totoki would succeed Kenichiro Yoshida as the newly elected CEO of the Japanese conglomerate, effective April 1, 2025.

The decision marks a turning point for Totoki, who has held various key roles within the company since becoming President in April 2023 while maintaining his duties as COO and CFO. Under his leadership, Sony's entertainment divisions have seen a substantial boost, with potential acquisitions and expansion efforts gaining momentum.

Totoki took to social media to express his gratitude for the trust placed in him, stating that he is "incredibly honoured and humbled" by the appointment. He emphasized his commitment to working alongside around 110,000 employees to drive further growth and evolution within Sony.

The appointment comes as part of a larger reorganization plan aimed at securing long-term expansion in the gaming industry. Hideaki Nishino will assume leadership of the gaming and network services division, while Hermen Hulst will spearhead the game studio business under Totoki's vision for strategic growth.

According to market analysts, the appointment has boosted Sony shares by 4.7% on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, showcasing confidence in the newly appointed CEO's strategic direction. His tenure is expected to capitalize on Sony's vast intellectual property portfolio, driving future growth in entertainment and solidifying its position as a leader in the gaming industry.

As Totoki takes over as CEO, he steps into a role previously dominated by Yoshida, who will remain with the company as chairman. The new management structure aims to propel Sony towards continued success and expansion under a revised leadership framework.