Michael lynton sony pictures

After 24 hours of rumors about an executive change at the top of Sony, word has just come from Michael Lynton to his employees that he is stepping down as CEO of Sony Entertainment after more than 12 years at the helm.

Michael lynton net worth

The move comes after a meeting with Sony bigwigs in the past 48 hours. Lynton, 57, said he is leaving to focus on his job as chairman of the board of Snap, Inc. Lynton will help Sony Corp. Hirai will take on the role now of co-chief executive of Sony Entertainment and become more hands-on, with plans for a second office on the Culver City lot.

Lynton says he will be staying to help in the transition for six months. News of the departure gives way to questions of who might replace Lynton — the last of the top officials at Sony that held positions after Sony was hacked in what was a devastating criminal attack that exposed both private information of employees and grievances and backbiting via company emails.

Watch on Deadline. One name being bandied about to take the top spot is former 2oth Century Fox chairman Jim Gianopulos, who has been mentioned for a number of positions around town. If that were to happen, it could get quite complicated with Sony motion picture group chairman Tom Rothman, who worked with Gianopulous at Fox when Rothman was pushed out.

Deadline has heard that other executive changes also may be afoot, despite Sony Corp.