Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) to recruit two former Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) executives to join their board of directors. Tim Schlaff, who worked as an Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) executive until 2005, and Eikoh Harada, who is the current president for McDonald’s Holding in Japan. Schlaff also worked as a former Network Entertainment chief for Sony.
Prior to leaving in 2004, Harada was the lead for Japan’s Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) operations.
Sony’s New Plans and Strategies
Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758) is currently trying to revive their formerly popular products like the Playstation game consoles, television sets, and even entertainment divisions. Although it’s not quite evident what Sony has in mind for the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) executives, it’s likely they want to tap their expertise and utilize their ideas to enhance their own products.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is one of the leading technology companies today. With revolutionary gadgets like the iPhone and iPad, Apple has made technology what it is today. Many companies (like Samsung and other Android product makers) try to make similar products, but often fail to make the level of impact on the market.
SMBC Nikko Securities Inc analyst Koki Shiraishi explained, “It would help Sony to gain outside board members that have expertise in businesses that Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758) is trying to strengthen. It is common for a company to approach people with experience at a growth company.”
According to Bloomberg, Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758) nominated three directors to the board for approval. Sometime next month, they will officially join the board. The new members will replace four retiring board directors including Howard Stringer (chairmain and chief executive officer for Sony). The last nominee for the board is Joichi Ito (director for Media Lab at the Massachussetts Institute of Technology).
Hopefully, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s executives can help Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) (TYO:6758) navigate the rough waters and help them move on to a more successful path. The Sony Playstation 4 is one item that’s gotten a lot of anticipation but the company may still need a little help, especially when it comes to competition from the likes of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s XBox.
