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Sony co-founders Akio Morita, left, and Masaru Ibuka arm wrestle in an image projected behind current Sony President and CEO Kazuo Hirai, who was speaking in Berlin, Germany, in August 2012.
Business

Sony's Akio Morita: Good-looking leaders just won't do

But a jeans-and-sneakers CEO has breathed new life into the old brand

KUNIO SAIJO, Nikkei senior staff writer | Japan

TOKYO -- When I was a young reporter, I had the opportunity to interview Sony co-founder Akio Morita. I asked him what essential trait a corporate leader needs.

"A company chief," Morita replied, "should have a somehow frightening face."

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