Sony to focus on mobile, games and imaging as it slashes jobs
SONY’S new chief executive Kazuo Hirai set out his stall for a wide-ranging overhaul at the struggling tech firm yesterday.
The group, which employs hundreds of staff in the UK, said its headcount will fall by 10,000, or six per cent, this year, which includes roles that are moving to other companies as a result of asset sales.
The cuts will result in ¥ 75bn (£581m) in restructuring costs in the current financial year, and follow two rounds of job losses under previous chief Howard Stringer.
Hirai also unveiled a renewed focus on mobile phones, digital imaging and Sony’s Playstation branch, as he tries to reshape the firm to boost sales after years of accelerating losses.
Sony aims to make 85 per cent of its operating income from these businesses by 2014, as it scales back its unprofitable TV division.
“I am determined to transform and revive Sony. This is our only chance to change,” Hirai told a packed news conference.
Sony expects to have made a record £4bn loss in the year just ended.