Nobuyuki Idei was Sony’s CEO from 1998 until 2005.
The CEO who oversaw the launch of Sony’s enormously popular PlayStation 2 console has died. The PS2 remains the top-selling video game console of all time. It sold over 155 million units worldwide.
“During his seven years as CEO from 1998, Mr. Idei made an immense contribution to Sony’s evolution as a global company,” Sony’s current CEO, Kenichiro Yoshida, said in a statement.
“In particular, the prescience and foresight with which predicted the impact of the internet, and engaged proactively with digitalization across Sony amazes me to this day,” Yoshida adds.
According to Sony:
It is with great sadness that Sony Group Corporation today announced the passing of Nobuyuki Idei, former Chairman and Group CEO, Sony Corporation. Mr. Idei passed away on June 2, 2022 in Tokyo. The cause of death was liver failure. He was 84 years old. A private funeral has been held attended by close family members, and his family have requested privacy at this difficult time. A company memorial service is planned to be held at a later date.
Mr. Idei joined Sony Corporation (currently Sony Group Corporation, hereafter “Sony”) in 1960, and following leadership roles in Sony’s Audio Group, Home Video Group, and Creative Communication Division, he was appointed the 6th President and Representative Director of Sony in 1995. He became CEO in 1998, and served as Chairman and CEO from 2000 to 2005, contributing significantly to Sony’s growth and reform.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Nobuyuki Idei’s family.
