Hirai is expected to be the next Sony CEO

(Compiling/Katy Fish) According to overseas media reports, Sony Computer Entertainment President Hirai has been officially promoted to executive vice president of the group, the media as the successor to the current Sony chief executive Stringer's top candidate. Hirai is currently in charge of Sony's network products and services, which also includes Sony's Computer entertainment and PlayStation gaming brand business.　　Reports from Reuters say Hirai will assume his new position from April 1 and manage the two core divisions under Sony, second only to incumbent chief executive Stringer.　　As Stringer is expected to resign after a 2013-year term, Sony's significant personnel change is widely seen as a way for Hirai to take over as president of the next group. After a series of internal reorganization, the current Sony group is roughly divided into two camps. Hirai is mainly responsible for consumer products and services, operating on the scale of about 60% of Sony Group.　　The other camp, hosted by Guigang, is mainly responsible for electronic design and manufacturing, as well as the supply of semiconductor, battery and other components for business partners. Sony said in a statement that Hirai's successful leadership of the gaming department turned around, making him a leader in the competition with other department heads.