Kaz Hirai, who led PlayStation during a transformative period for the company, recently reflected on his management style, highlighting a philosophy that often placed the instincts of the gaming division above directives from Sony's wider headquarters. In an interview with Nikkei X Trend, Hirai recounted instances where he followed his own vision for PlayStation, even when met with recommendations from higher-ups.
During his time as president of Sony Computer Entertainment, Hirai recalled receiving input from then-Sony CEO Howard Stringer and other executives regarding the direction of the PlayStation brand. "What headquarters says isn’t important. We’re PlayStation!" Hirai stated, underscoring his commitment to fostering the gaming division's independent identity. This assertive approach, while sometimes leading to public perception of a casual demeanor, particularly after the company's 2006 E3 presentation, appears to have been a deliberate strategy.
Hirai's leadership extended to his promotion to CEO of Sony in 2012, a period marked by the company's worst net loss. He faced skepticism due to his background, with some questioning his suitability for leading the entire corporation. Hirai addressed these concerns by prioritizing trust and direct communication, visiting departments unannounced to build rapport and confidence.
While he implemented a more unified approach across departments as CEO, aiming to create a shared goal of "moving experiences," his earlier tenure at PlayStation was characterized by allowing the gaming division significant autonomy. This period saw the successful turnaround of the PS3's fortunes after a challenging launch. Hirai eventually stepped down as CEO in 2019 and served as an advisor until 2024, leaving a legacy shaped by his distinct vision for the PlayStation brand.