UNDER SIEGE: Sharp, behind-the-scenes criticism by alumni, known in Japan as "old boys" who can retain influence long after retirement, represents a new test for Hirai.
TOKYO: A group of former top Sony Corp executives has delivered an unusually blunt critique to the firm's chief executive Kazuo Hirai, accusing him of losing sight of innovation by focusing on cost-cutting.
At a meeting at Sony's Tokyo headquarters April 16, five former executives, including PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi, took Hirai to task for failing to encourage the kind of creativity that helped produce iconic gadgets such as the Walkman, according to three people familiar with the meeting.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
