Sony Group Corp. said Thursday it is promoting Hiroki Totoki, its executive deputy president, to president and chief operating officer, effective April 1.

Totoki, 58, will replace current President Kenichiro Yoshida, 63, marking the first change in the Sony Group's presidency in five years. Yoshida will remain as chairman and CEO with the right to represent the company.

Totoki joined Sony, now the Sony Group, in 1987 and played a key role in the establishment of Sony Bank. He is known for his expertise in planning business strategies and identifying new business opportunities.

"I would like to create a positive spiral that begins with Sony being chosen by customers, which then energizes our employees, enables us to attract more new talent, increases our corporate value, and ultimately enables us to give back to society," Totoki said in a statement.

The Japanese electronics giant, which is set to announce its earnings for the April-December period, will hold a press conference later in the day.

==Kyodo

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