Norio Ohga

Norio Ohga was a Japanese businessman, singer, conductor, and visionary who played a key role in shaping Sony into a global entertainment leader. He joined Sony in 1959 as a part-time consultant, after writing a critical letter to the company about their tape recorder's flaws. He impressed the founders with his insight into music and technology, and soon rose to the top positions in the company. He was instrumental in developing the compact disc, which revolutionized the audio industry and became a worldwide standard. He also oversaw the acquisition of CBS Records and Columbia Pictures, expanding Sony's presence in the music and movie businesses. He supported the creation of Sony Computer Entertainment and the launch of the PlayStation, which became a dominant force in the gaming industry. He was known for his passion for design, quality, and innovation, as well as his love for classical music and opera. He was a trained baritone singer and an honorary conductor of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. He retired from Sony in 2003, but remained a senior advisor until his death in 2011. He was widely respected and admired for his foresight and vision, and his contributions to Sony and the world of entertainment are immeasurable.