Sony 2007 Annual Report Download - page 15

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12
Sony United
12
Katsumi Ihara
Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Executive
Deputy President, Officer in charge of the Consumer
Products Group
Katsumi Ihara joined Sony Corporation in 1981. In 1996, he
became President of the Home A&V Products Company, where
he was in charge of such businesses as home video and home
audio. He subsequently served in several positions, including
NC President of the Personal IT Network Company and NC
President of the Digital Telecommunications Network Company.
In 2001, he took office as President of Sony Ericsson Mobile
Communications AB, and was involved with the start-up of that
company. In 2004, he returned to Sony Corporation as Corporate
Executive Officer, Executive Deputy President and Group CSO
& CFO, while the following year he was named NC President of
the Home Electronics Network Company. In June 2005, he
became Representative Corporate Executive Officer and
Executive Deputy President and later also became Officer in
charge of the TV & Video Business Group, in which capacity he
oversaw the launch of Sony's LCD television business. He
became Officer in charge of the Consumer Products Group in
October 2006.
earning the top global market share*. Among digital
cameras, the Cyber-shot series achieved firm sales in
Europe, North America and Asia, while our new α™ (“Alpha”)
line of digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras made a
spectacular debut. In the camcorder business, we
strengthened our selection of high definition-compatible
models. At the end of 2006, we realized a long-cherished
ambition by rolling out Blu-ray Disc players and recorders,
evidence that the “HD World”—until now largely conceptual
in nature—is becoming a reality.
* DisplaySearch, revenue basis for calendar year 2006
Reinforcing product quality control
systems and focusing on the image
sensors business
Chubachi During the period under review, a quality issue
arose involving Sony-manufactured battery cells used in
certain notebook computers that caused considerable
inconvenience to customers. Mr. Nakagawa, what
response followed and what is the current situation?
Nakagawa Regarding the battery issue, we have enacted
front-line reforms to address this problem from every
conceivable angle, enabling us to ensure consistent
improvements in quality and safety. Also, the launch of
PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) was postponed in Europe as a
result of a delay in the ramp-up of production of blue-violet
lasers for PS3. However, we have since recovered lost
ground and have secured a sufficient supply.
Chubachi How do you assess the performance of the
semiconductor business in fiscal year 2006? Can you also
tell us about your new “Asset Light” strategy?
Nakagawa The semiconductor business recorded a
sharp increase in sales and an improvement in profit, owing
to the sale of semiconductors for PS3 to the Game division.
In the image sensor business, sales of charge-coupled
devices (CCDs) were particularly strong, bolstered by
demand, chiefly for use in digital cameras. The CMOS
sensor business also expanded, primarily for use in mobile
phones and video cameras.
Our new “Asset Light” strategy aims to increase
investment efficiency by achieving a sound balance
between investments and returns. We will carefully select
our capital investments, and focus on image sensors and
other areas in which we enjoy a competitive advantage
and which offer growth potential.