Hirai to succeed Stringer

HURRAY FOR HIRAI: Kazuo Hirai, who started his career at the CBS/Sony Music joint venture and now oversees Sony's consumer electronics and videogame divisions, has been chosen as the company's next President and CEO, the Wall Street Journal reports. The move is expected to accelerate a network strategy to align Sony’s consumer electronics with its content and services businesses. Hirai, 51, had been considered the front-runner to take over from Howard Stringer, who will remain Executive Chairman until June, and then become Chairman of the Board. Stringer has quickly promoted Hirai, placing him in charge of the consumer electronics business in April. At the time, he said Hirai was "first among equals" to succeed him. Hirai's promotion will take effect in April. (2/1a)