Kazuo (Kaz) Hirai is President and Group COO ofSCEI since 1st December 2006, having replacedKen Kutaragi.

Prior to that, he was President and CEO ofSCEA. During his tenure at Sony Computer Entertainment America, Hirai was actively involved in the launch of the original PlayStation, as well as the 2000 launch of the PlayStation 2. In August 2002, Hirai again led the company into new frontiers with the introduction of the Network Adaptor, the company’s foray into online gaming.

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.