Sony announced a new three-person executive team on May 8, 2000: Nobuyuki Idei as Chairman and CEO, Kunitake Ando as President and COO, and Teruhisa Tokunaka as Executive Deputy President and CFO. The appointments took effect after shareholder and board approval on June 29, 2000. Norio Ohga became Chairman of the Board, a separate supervisory role.
Who was on Sony’s new management team?
| Executive | Role | Responsibility Sony assigned |
|---|---|---|
| Nobuyuki Idei | Chairman and CEO | Overall group strategy and corporate direction |
| Kunitake Ando | President and COO | Operating leadership, with an initial focus on strengthening Sony’s core Electronics business |
| Teruhisa Tokunaka | Executive Deputy President and CFO | Financial strategy and CFO responsibilities |
The three executives formed the central management team. Sony separately named Norio Ohga Chairman of the Board, distinguishing board supervision from executive management.
When did Sony announce and approve the appointments?
Sony provisionally announced the structure on May 8, 2000, following an extraordinary board meeting. It said the appointments would take effect after approval at the June 29 annual shareholders’ and board meetings. Sony’s June 29 announcement confirmed the appointments. Sony’s May 8, 2000 announcement and June 29 confirmation.
Why did Sony change its management structure?
Sony said it wanted to optimize its management system, accelerate corporate reform and clarify responsibilities, with the aim of enhancing corporate value. Separating Ohga’s board-chair role from Idei’s CEO role distinguished board oversight from the company’s executive leadership. The assignments also set out separate responsibilities for strategy, operations and finance.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
A contemporaneous report quoted a Sony spokesman describing the changes as a way to make management more agile. EE Times, May 9, 2000.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Lightweight 1.38 in neodymium dynamic drivers deliver a punchy, rhythmic response to even the most demanding tracks. Driver Unit: Dome type.Specific uses for product : Travel
- The swiveling earcup design allows easy storage when you’re not using them, and enhances portability when you’re traveling
- Cushioned earpads for total comfort and enfolding closed-back design seals in sound
- The wide frequency range—spanning 12 Hz to 22 kHz—delivers deep bass, rich midrange, and soaring highs
- Plug: L-shaped stereo mini plug 3.5mm. Impedance (Ohm) 24 ohm (1KHz). Cord Length 3.94 ft
Rank #2
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
