Major Corporate Restructuring at Sony Computer Entertainment

This morning, Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc., the head division of all of Sony's PlayStation regional operations, announced some major restructuring of their operations at the highest level of executives.

Kaz Hirai, who took over as President of SCEI for Ken Kuturagi, the Father of PlayStation, back in 1996 after the botched launch of the PlayStation 3, has been promoted to Chairman. Under Hirai's leadership, the PlayStation brand was reinvigorated and became profitable for the first time in five years during fiscal year 2010.

The former Chairman of SCEI, and one of the founding members of SCEI back in 1993, Akira Sato, announced his retirement.

Andrew House has been serving as Sony Computer Entertainment Europe CEO and President will take over Hirai's role as President and CEO of SCEI. Andrew House has worked in a number of divisions throughout Sony Corporation since joining the company in 1990.

Jim Ryan, Executive Vice President and Co-COO of SCEE, will serve as the new SCEE President and CEO.

Futhermore, Ken Kuturagi, the man mostly responsible for the PlayStation brand, has announced his retirement as "honorary" Chairman of SCEI. However, Kuturagi will remain a Senior Technology Advisor for Sony Corporation.

Many will be quick to point to this restructuring as a result of the PlayStation Network breach, as when such fiascos occur, heads tend to roll. But this likely has more to do with the retirement of the current Chairman and Sony Corp. beginning the process of prepping Kaz Hirai to take over as President and CEO of the entire Sony Corporation.

The current President and CEO of Sony Corporation, Sir Howard Stringer, has been subject to criticism following his handling of the PlayStation Network security breach, leading to shareholders vehemently calling for his resignation. Kaz Hirai has long been said to be a "shoe in" for the position, as he is a proven leader throughout the company.