Kazuo (Kaz) Hirai brings more than 20 years of experience with Sony to his position as President and Chief Operating Officer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., as well as serving as Chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. In this role, Hirai is responsible for the day-to-day management of the company’s worldwide operations, including licensing, third party relations, business development, strategic planning, first party product development, marketing, sales, and network business group.

A recognized leader in the interactive entertainment circles, Hirai played a pivotal role in elevating the industry to an important growth category that now tops Hollywood box office revenues. Recently named mogul in the running in Vanity Fair’s 2004 New Establishment list, and previously named as one of the most powerful executives in the business by Entertainment Weekly, Hirai has succeeded in evolving games as the third pillar next to music and movies, making the PlayStation brand synonymous with exceptional entertainment.

During his tenure at Sony Computer Entertainment America, Hirai was actively involved in launching groundbreaking platforms including the original PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and most recently led the company’s entry into the portable entertainment arena with the launch of PlayStation Portable in North America. Hirai has led the company into new frontiers including the introduction of PlayStation 2 online gaming in 2002, building the largest online console gaming community with more than 2 million registered users.

In addition to his current roles, Hirai continues serves as a board member of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., and reports directly to Ken Kutaragi, one of the company’s founding members.

Hirai joined Sony Computer Entertainment America in August 1995, with responsibility for the operational management of the company under the former president. Before that, Hirai worked in Sony Music Japan’s New York office coordinating the marketing of Sony Music Japan artists in the U.S. Hirai began his career with CBS/Sony Inc. (now Sony Music Entertainment Japan) in April 1984 where he was instrumental in the marketing coordination of international music in Japan and later headed the international business affairs department.

Hirai received his bachelor of liberal arts degree from the International Christian University in Tokyo.