Sony Director Chosen To Lead Company

A mid-level managing director catapulted to the top of Sony Corp., bypassing at least 11 senior associates to become president of the electronics and entertainment company.

Nobuyuiki Idei was handpicked by Norio Ohga, a conductor who is retiring as president after 13 years, the company said Wednesday.

Ohga, however, will retain the title of chief executive officer and become chairman, a title that is usually honorary in Japan.

Ohga, 65, bypassed at least 11 people with more senior titles to pick Idei as his replacement.