Sony boss keynotes in Cannes

Sony’s president and CEO Kazuo Hirai will provide the opening Media Mastermind keynote at the Mipcom market in Cannes this October.

Kazuo Hirai

Hirai has held the top job at the Japanese tech, game and content giant since April 2012 and was appointed a director of the Sony Board in June 2012.

He joined Sony Computer Entertainment America in 1995 and in 1999 was appointed its president and chief operating officer with responsibility for overall operational management of the US game business.

His presence at the trade event comes as it celebrates Japan as this year’s Country of Honour and as Sony celebrates its 70th anniversary.

They keynote will take place on Monday October 17 in the Grand Auditorium at 11.30 and will be the first in a series of high-profile industry addresses at Mipcom 2016.

Disney’s Ben Sherwood, Participant Media’s David Linde and STX Entertainment’s Sophie Watts were confirmed as keynote speakers for the market last week.

Last month, Shonda Rhimes, creator of ABC dramas Grey’s Anatomy and How To Get Away With Murder, was named as Mipcom 2016 Personality of the Year.

Rhimes will be honoured at a gala dinner at the Carlton Hotel on Wednesday October 19. She will also take part in a Media Mastermind Session at the Palais des Festivals during Mipcom, which runs from October 17 to 20.