Sony president Kaz Hirai steps down from SCE roles

Sony president Kaz Hirai has retired his role as representative director and chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment, following his move up the Sony food chain earlier this year. Hirai was promoted to head up Sony's consumer products unit last year, and then named as the company's president and CEO in April. Previous president Howard Stringer took up position as Chairman of the board of directors at the company. Hirai has now stepped down from his positions at Sony Computer Entertainment, although he will continue to serve as a member of the SCE board in a part-time role. At the same time, Stringer has retired from his part-time role as a member of the SCE board -- essentially, Hirai has taken Stringer's place at SCE. The reorganization marks Hirai's move away from Sony's PlayStation business, with more of a focus on his president role. Hirai admitted earlier this year that Sony has tough times ahead, with "one issue after another." The company posted record full year losses for the previous fiscal year in May.