1991 Starting from the core

As a large, successful, and in some sense “great” business empire, there has never been a shortage of researchers on Sony. No matter what your views are on Sony, there is one thing that all researchers agree on - it was Dai Ibuka and Akio Morita who made Sony successful.

But now, Jing Shenda is decrepit and has already withdrawn from the management. Akio Morita also handed over power due to a stroke - although he still retains his position as chairman, in fact, he has long been unable to interfere in Sony's decision-making.

Historically, this period was the period when Norio Ohga, the general manager, was so powerful that he finally succeeded as chairman and chairman.

In Sony, or Ni Country... there is a very strange phenomenon.

In traditional Niguo companies, the person who holds the highest power of the company is not the CEO or the chairman - even if he serves as the chairman - unless he also serves as the general manager - which can be understood as the president.

If this tradition is violated, the president (CEO) will be seen as having too much desire for power, thus turning the general manager into a puppet.

Su Yuanshan couldn't remember when Akio Morita handed over the chairmanship. He only remembered that Norio Ohga, the old man, was a CEO and general manager. He was the well-deserved helm of Sony, both in the West and Japan.

But now... maybe history is about to change.

…

"You don't think Kutaragi Ken has a chance, do you?" Zhou Xiaohui glanced outside the door, changed her position, moved closer to Su Yuanshan, and asked in a low voice.

"The country of Ni is deeply influenced by Confucian culture. Like us, it is very particular about gerontocracy. You see, even if Mr. Morita Akio has a stroke, if he doesn't talk about retirement, no one will dare to ask him for it." Su Yuanshan did not answer directly, smiling. Said: "So, according to common sense, Kudo-kun, who is only in his forties now, obviously has no chance - even if Norio Ohga is willing to give up his real power and take over as the president, there will be a lot of people lining up for the vacancy left, for example People like Nobuyuki Dei and Kuniki Ando. These were all people born before the Japanese surrender..."

"..." Zhou Xiaohui was a little speechless by this guy's age mark: "Then what if it doesn't follow common sense?"

"Unconventionally, last year, Mr. Jiuduo joined the board of directors and served as vice president." Su Yuanshan coughed and said with a smile: "Yuanxin's development path, now there are no less than Ten books...with us as a living sample, Sony, as our close partner, is obviously a little stimulated."

"If there is an old man in the family, it is like having a treasure. It is right when stability is needed. The wisdom of the old man, especially the wisdom of the old man who has gone through ups and downs, whoever dares to underestimate him is a fool. But since he is an old man... he naturally lacks youth. People’s drive and enterprising spirit. Since Yuanxin has paved a way for Sony, if Sony doesn’t keep up, they won’t be worthy of cooperating with us.”

Li Xiao interjected: "So... you think Kutaragi Ken has a good chance?"

"Although Mr. Kudo often tells the truth when chatting with me, he never mentions how many opportunities he has."

"I just guessed...he had a good chance."

Su Yuanshan smiled slightly and looked in the direction of Sony's headquarters.

After all, the footsteps of the new era can already be heard.

…

The next morning, Su Yuanshan and his team arrived at the lithium battery research and development base located in a corner of Sony's headquarters. There were no executives like Ken Kutaragi accompanying him, only the person in charge of lithium batteries.

For this reason, Su Yuanshan didn't mind - after all, he came just to cheer up Yuanxin's expatriate team. Moreover, he probably guessed why Kutaragi Ken didn't come to accompany him.

While Su Yuanshan went to the lithium battery department to express his condolences, all the deputy general managers and senior executives above the director level gathered together in the conference room of Sony's headquarters, except for a very few who were not present.

Norio Ohga is still sitting in the main seat. Since Akio Morita suffered a stroke, he has become the real person in charge of Sony and presides over all tasks - although he has not yet served as president.

"Based on the discussion and decision of the board of directors and the opinions of Chairman Morita, I will serve as the president and chairman of Sony Corporation." Unless in public, Norio Ohga's expression has always been serious, and it is impossible to judge from his expression. See the joy and anger.

But that didn't stop the attendees from collectively breaking down to express their congratulations.

In this way, Norio Ohga will be the true trinity and become the controller of Sony's giant ship, right?

Unexpectedly, Norio Ohga waved his hand to signal everyone to be quiet before the applause stopped.

"The next step is the position of general manager." Norio Ohga lowered his eyes and looked at the appointment letter in front of him.

Everyone present at the meeting was slightly shocked - could it be that Norio Ohga had to hand over "real" power as soon as he became president?

"I will step down as general manager..."

Everyone immediately held their breath. Although their heads turned in the direction of Norio Ohga, in fact, they were constantly observing from the corner of their eyes.

"I recommend that Ken Kutaragi take over as general manager."

As Norio Ohga's voice fell, everyone's eyes suddenly turned to Kutaragi Ken.

The latter was only two places away from Norio Ohga. After hearing this, he immediately stood up and then lowered his head.

…

At noon, Su Yuanshan had a light meal in the canteen of the battery department. To be honest, from the taste... Of course Su Yuanshan preferred the taste of the canteen in the science and technology park. But in terms of variety, Sony's food is really good.

After lunch, he ended the visit and got rid of Li Xiao, his little follower.

In the afternoon, his arrangement was to have discussions with the real leaders of Sony about in-depth cooperation in multiple fields in the future. If Ken Kutaragi failed to take over this time, then he would have to talk to Norio Ohga.

But Norio Ohga... Frankly speaking, Su Yuanshan really didn't want to deal with him - Norio Ohga hadn't seen with his own eyes how awesome he was, so it wouldn't be fun to talk to him.

Just when he was considering whether to call Ken Kutaragi, Mr. Kutaragi had already arrived at the laboratory with his assistant.

"Kutaragi-kun, I thought you left me hanging here." Su Yuanshan joked, trying to get some clues from Kutaragi Ken's expression.

But he was a little disappointed. Kutaragi Ken always had a smile on his face every time he saw him, but he didn't seem to be particularly happy.

Kutaragi Ken smiled and said: "How dare you? Su-san, what is your schedule this afternoon?"

"Talk to your general manager."

"Then please." Kutaragi Ken said with a smile and stretched out his hand.

"Where to go?"

"My office."

"Huh?" Su Yuanshan tilted his head slightly, and then realized that the man in front of him was really... in charge.

"Congratulations!" Su Yuanshan said sincerely: "This is the best news about corporate leadership changes that I have heard this year."