Ken Kutaragi

Profession: Engineering Technologist and Businessman

Biography: Ken Kutaragi is known as the "Father of the PlayStation" for creating Sony's video game console and revolutionizing the gaming industry.

Kutaragi joined Sony's digital research labs in the mid-1970s after earning an electronics degree. He worked on early LCDs and digital cameras, gaining a reputation as a problem solver. In 1989, Kutaragi designed a sound chip for Nintendo's Super Nintendo Entertainment System in secret.

This experience led Kutaragi to develop Sony's own gaming console. He oversaw the creation of the original PlayStation, released in 1994. The console was a huge success. Kutaragi then led the development of the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation 3.

In 1997, Kutaragi became CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. He was promoted to various high-ranking positions within Sony over the years, including Sony-Global COO and Vice-Chairman. In 2006, however, Kazuo Hirai replaced Kutaragi as president of Sony Computer Entertainment.

After leaving Sony, Kutaragi became involved in other technology ventures. He served as CEO of Cyber AI Entertainment and later Ascent Robotics. Kutaragi also holds board positions at several companies and is a visiting professor at Ritsumeikan University.

Time magazine named Kutaragi one of the 100 most influential people of 2004. His work in video games even earned him the nickname "Gutenberg of Video Games," comparing his impact to that of the inventor of the printing press, Johannes Gutenberg.

Born: August 2, 1950
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
Age: 74 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Leo