Chapter 1239: Master Shitian (5k)

When it comes to the field of smartphones, no one in this conference room in Tokyo speaks with more weight than Fang Zhuo.

In other words, if he talks about his views on the future of smartphones in public, it will be spread in the media that day.

People like him acknowledge the limitations of history and reject what has been said...

The shareholder representatives have their own thoughts, the Sony executives are thoughtful, and Ryoji Nakahachi's teeth are almost broken. Mr. Fang, are you going to strike suddenly at such a juncture?

Ryoji Nakabachi vaguely remembered the man in front of him in Tokyo many years ago, but at that time, he was speaking out to help Stringer.

The old friend is still the same, what time is it today?

Nakaba Ryoji looked at Mr. Fang with a faint look.

Fang Zhuo had no mood swings. He looked around at everyone first, then calmly looked at Nakaba Ryoji who was looking at him, and said openly: "I say this, Nakaba Ryoji may not be happy, but since Hoyle asked, I also Don’t hesitate to share your opinions.”

It’s not something I have to say, it’s BlackRock’s Hoyle who insists on asking.

If you have to ask, just tell me.

Fang Zhuo has a lot of experience in holding meetings and offending people in meetings.

Sony Ericsson mobile phone is a brand of cooperation between Sony and Ericsson, but it has always been operated by Sony. Stringer has the intention to buy back Ericsson's shares. If he had not stepped down early, the implementation might have been successful.

Ryoji Nakabachi tried to force a smile on his face, but failed. He tried to round out his words: "Today is all about Sony's future. It's all about discussions. How can I be unhappy?"

"That's good." Fang Zhuo said calmly, "In that case, let me say a few more words."

Ryoji Nakabachi resisted the urge to get up and rush over. Not only did he say it in New York before, but he didn't say it when he arrived in Tokyo last night. He just wanted to say more at this time. If the discussion was on another occasion, he could also support the development of Sony mobile phones!

However, now in front of so many people, how can I change my words instantly...

Fang Zhuo ignored Zhongbo's mood and talked eloquently: "The current global mobile phone market is called the 'Three Royal Companies', Yike, Apple, and Samsung. Although this is a status display brought by product sales, but When we look at these three companies, they have gradually formed a real moat.”

"Compared with many manufacturers, they are gaining ground in terms of system ecology, hardware cost and chip design."

"Take Yike as an example. We have been in-depth cooperation with Sharp in Japan on screens, and SCHOTT in Germany has also maintained a generation-to-generation advancement in glass materials. These have helped Yike mobile phones establish a good reputation among consumers. A different image.”

"As well as Sony, our cooperation on sensors can be regarded as a model of technical cooperation."

"In 2007, Yike and Apple were looking for first-class suppliers all over the world."

"More than four years have passed, and we have built a first-class supplier in the world."

Fang Zhuo could talk about this for a long time, but he will just say briefly: "Let's look at these three companies, and then look at Sony. When it comes to the industrial chain, Japan has complete manufacturers in all aspects. When it comes to mobile phone features, such as camera technology and CMOS sensors, Sony is not inferior, and is even ahead of many competitors. In terms of scientific research capabilities, are you not inferior?"

"Looking at the mobile phone product alone, Sony has a lot of room for improvement and can quickly improve it."

"I dare not say that it can definitely be compared with Yike, Apple, and Samsung, but compared with other manufacturers, Sony can definitely position itself."

"Let's set a small goal, let's not say the top three in the world, but say the 'fourth top'. This is always a goal that can be looked forward to, right?"

Fang Zhuo helped propose the next-generation goal of Sony Ericsson mobile phones, Yusijia!

He pondered again for a moment and said: "As for the overall competitive situation, Yusanjia now has a certain cost advantage and brand value, but as the supply chain matures, it is hard to say how far it leads, not to mention that the first half of the competition is not over yet. , at least, the second half hasn’t started yet, it’s considered a halftime break.”

"The global smartphone market still has huge growth. Sony Ericsson mobile phones are not starting from scratch. Everyone knows this brand and has good hardware and technical strength. I can only say that the stage is huge."

The stage is huge, it depends on how Sony performs.

After Fang Zhuo finished expressing his views, he raised his hand to drink tea.

The conference room was quite quiet.

How to say it?

Is Mr. Fang too optimistic about Sony mobile phones?

When BlackRock's Hoyle saw that no one else spoke, he chose to ask the doubts in his heart: "Mr. Fang, Sony's acquisition of Ericsson's shares cost at least US$1 billion. Isn't it too much of a gamble at this time? "

Sony has talked with Ericsson before, and the acquisition may be about US$1.2 billion.

If the era of a new leader begins, there will be this kind of baggage right from the start...

"I'm just talking about my opinion." Fang Zhuo first put aside his responsibility and then said, "Sony's earliest product was a failed rice cooker. When Ibuka Dai and Morita Akio launched a successful tape recorder, they faced a hugely risky choice."

"Should we invest the money in a hugely expensive transistor project?"

Fang Zhuo shrugged and did not give an answer.

But everyone here knows the answer.

At that time, Dai Ibuka and Akio Morita chose to make a bet after achieving temporary success, and then won the bet.

Any company always needs to take a gamble at a critical development node.

Hoyle felt convinced.

If smartphones are used as a part of Sony's recovery, Yoshihisa Ishida is obviously a better choice. Although Ryoharu Nakahachi has better status and qualifications, he has been sidelined in recent years, unlike Yoshihisa Ishida who has been doing things.

Sony needs people who can get things done now.

It was Nakahata Ryoji who broke the silence in the conference room again.

He said with emotion: "After listening to Mr. Fang's words, I felt like I was listening to Akio Morita's teachings in person, and I realized the inappropriateness of my ideas. Mr. Fang deserves to be the best CEO in the world. If you can, please give me some advice." Mr. Lai serves as Chairman of our Board of Directors.”

Nakaba Ryoji publicly issued an earth-shattering invitation.

After an Englishman, he invited a Chinese to be the chairman of Sony's board of directors.

Although the CEO is now in charge of the company's direction, Sony's chairman still has symbolic significance.

Hoyle looked at Nakabachi Ryoji in shock.

Yoshida Ishida looked at Nakabachi Ryoji in shock.

Fang Zhuo also looked at Nakaba Ryoji in shock.

Hoyle suddenly thought that it would be okay. An outside director would serve as the chairman of the board. This was not uncommon in other companies. The board of directors was not involved in daily operations and only played a role at critical times.

Stringer, who both occupies the board of directors and serves as CEO, has forced Sony to suffer huge losses in recent years. If there are checks and balances between the two parties, it may be possible to avoid making the same mistake again.

"Hahaha, that's not necessary, so as not to cause more trouble." Fang Zhuo refused this invitation, which would cause an uproar and was destined to be rejected, and said with a smile, "Today is the moment for Sony to work together, and we must also trust the new company. At the time of CEO, I still suggest that whichever one is elected as CEO, Nakahata Ryoharu or Ishida Yoshihisa, will continue to serve as chairman.”

Nakaba Ryoji sighed again: "Mr. Fang is really noble and upright."

Fang Zhuo picked up the teacup, still finding it amusing.

Two years ago, he might have tried mixing things up, but now he doesn't want to focus on it.

"As Mr. Fang said, I think we can make more attempts on the mobile smartphone side." Yoshida Ishida took over the words naturally, "Yike has a good cooperation with Sony. We have good cooperation in sensors and photography. A piece can make a difference and this is an opportunity that should be taken.”

He stood up directly after saying this and said loudly: "I am willing to follow the example of Dai Ibuka and Akio Morita, lead Sony to meet risks and challenges, and lead the company out of crisis!"

The voice was impassioned, but the applause that came after a while was a little awkward.

"Sony has the foundation to make mobile smart terminals, including mobile phones, TVs, computers, tablets and PS. Sony can do this." Shuichi Sano, another shareholder representative from Sumitomo Mitsui, slowly gave his idea.

Sony has the foundation of these businesses, but it seems to have entered a strange circle in the past few years, but it cannot be said that Sony has no possibility of recovery.

Fang Zhuo continued to perform his duties: "The discussion on mobile smartphones is like this for the time being. Regarding Sony's reform, I believe everyone is also interested in hearing your thoughts."

This period can be regarded as a consensus. Sony needs to continue to make efforts to shoulder the burden of Ericsson.

Nakabachi and Ishida's discussions about reform became even more heated.

In addition to layoffs, this also involves reducing the burden on certain businesses and product lines.

Sony needs to sell off its assets to obtain funds, and these hard-earned funds naturally do not just sit on the books, they need to be mobilized to revitalize the business.

If Sony mobile phones are confirmed, there will be less funds available for other sectors.

Both Zhongbo and Ishida have their own supporters, representing different interests. This discussion will be even more intense than before.

Fang Zhuo listened with interest and naturally helped evaluate the quality.

However, reform on paper can always make sense, but if it is really decentralized to the lower levels, then I don’t know what it will look like.

Until 12:30 noon, everyone in the conference room felt thirsty and the nominations entered the final stage.

"In this case, Zhongbo, Ishida, you go sit outside first, and we will listen to each other's ideas." Fang Zhuo motioned to the two candidates to leave the conference room first.

Nakaba Ryoji was just about to get up when he suddenly said, "No need, Mr. Fang. If you have anything to say today, you can say it in person."

Fang Zhuo frowned.

Ishida Jiajiu didn't speak, he stood up and walked towards the door.

Fang Zhuo did not start the discussion and only looked at Nakabachi Ryoji who was still sitting in his seat.

Nakabachi Ryoji took a deep breath and already felt that his hope of ascending to the throne was gradually getting smaller.

He stood up, bowed, and said sincerely: "Please do everything for Sony's sake."

Fang Zhuo felt that these words were redundant. Who among the Gonggun gentlemen in this conference room was not here for Sony?

As soon as the two candidates left the stage, he directly asked the question, who is the more suitable CEO for Sony now?

Fang Zhuo did not talk about his own views, but only fulfilled his responsibilities as a foreign director and let everyone speak.

Generally speaking, it is true that Ishida Yoshihisa has more support now, but... everyone's tone is not sure. After all, compared to selecting a CEO, such time is still too little.

Half a day was like a surprise attack. Even with the warm-up, it was only a month since Stringer resigned.

Fang Zhuo didn't say anything, but he felt fine in his heart.

Back then, Nobuyuki Idei's election was a piece of cake. Later, Stringer took advantage of a crisis to rise to power. Now, isn't it the leader of the two families who has another childish figure who is both a child's play and a crisis?

"Let's do this. We will eventually submit the candidate for the new CEO to the shareholders' meeting this afternoon. Now that everyone has had sufficient speeches." Fang Zhuo glanced at the time. It was already one o'clock in the afternoon, and there were only two hours left before the shareholders' meeting. "Let's vote by raising hands to see the most real ideas."

Nakabatsu and Ishida left, and only 18 people were left in the meeting room.

Fang Zhuo's proposal was tacitly approved.

Voting is more ceremonial and more legal.

Fang Zhuo did not urge, and saw several people discussing with each other.

After a while, he slowly said: "Please raise your hands if you support Nakabatsu Ryoji."

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5 people raised their hands without hesitation.

Ten seconds later, 2 more people raised their hands.

Fang Zhuo did not raise his hand, but waited calmly, and then saw another person hesitantly raised his hand.

There were 8 people in total, which did not reach the number of votes required for passing.

Fang Zhuo again signaled to raise his hand in support of Ishida Yoshihisa.

This time, just like before, 6 people raised their hands first, then 3 people raised their hands, and finally, Nakagawa Yu, the executive vice president in charge of semiconductor and electronic components business, cast the key vote of support.

10 votes in favor of Ishida Yoshihisa, more than half.

"Mr. Fang, who do you support?" Hoyle noticed that Mr. Fang never raised his hand.

"My vote does not affect the voting results, just consider it as my abstention." Fang Zhuo said, "I am afraid that I will interfere with everyone's ideas. I came to Sony this time, first to assume the responsibility of an external director, and second to not want to disappoint Stringer's trust, but I still have to cherish my feathers."

He said seriously: "Sony's new CEO will eventually be selected by Sony's own people, which is good for everyone."

Hoyle gave a thumbs up: "Mr. Fang is fair."

Except for speaking only in familiar fields, he thinks Mr. Fang is very objective and fair today.

Fang Zhuo asked people to call back Nakabachi Ryoji and Ishida Yoshihisa.

Obviously, the people who went out have informed the results to these two.

Fang Zhuo first notified the number of votes, and then performed his final duty: "The board of directors will nominate Shi at the extraordinary shareholders' meeting this afternoon..."

"Wait!" Nakabatsu Ryoji suddenly spoke up, interrupting the announcement.

"Nakabatsu Ryoji, do you have any other opinions?" Fang Zhuo looked at the new Sony loser.

"I..." Nakabachi Ryoji took a long breath, "Should we expand the scope of the meeting? The company is now in a great crisis. The new CEO is a choice related to Sony's future. We should be more cautious."

"There are witnesses from all the shareholder representatives and the group's senior management listening in. From Stringer's resignation to now, you have also had sufficient communication." Fang Zhuo played the role of a stabilizing force and said sternly, "Are you going to regret it at this last moment for your own selfishness?"

He repeated what Nakabachi had just said: "Nakabachi Ryoji, please do everything for Sony!"

Nakabachi Ryoji met Mr. Fang's stern eyes, and looked at the expressions in the conference room that generally did not support him to continue to toss, and sighed: "I am doing everything for Sony."

Ishida Yoshihisa had rarely experienced such a battle. He was relieved when he saw Mr. Fang speak up to maintain the order of the meeting, and raised his voice and said: "Who is not thinking about Sony? Me too!"

Nakabachi Ryoji did not look at his opponent, but looked at Sony's local shareholder representatives, including Sumitomo Mitsui's Sano Shuichi and others.

However, he did not get the response he wanted.

All procedures are normal, and there will always be losers. Do we have to struggle again if we lose?

Sano Shuichi reviewed the meeting process. If the key votes were cast by external directors and Mr. Fang, it might be worth fighting for. The problem is that Mr. Fang abstained directly.

He shook his head slightly and made his attitude clear.

Nakabachi Ryoji did not overturn the table after all, and raised his head: "Okay, I hope Sony can get out of the predicament and become a brand respected by the world again."

Fang Zhuo completed the announcement: "The board of directors will nominate Ishida Yoshihisa as the new CEO at the extraordinary shareholders' meeting this afternoon, and we will nominate a new board of directors tomorrow."

The new board of directors will be built around the new CEO, and there will also be new group senior appointments.

Applause broke out in the meeting room.

No matter what, the successor was finally selected when the previous head resigned.

Fang Zhuo stood up, shook hands with Ishida Yoshihisa, and said with a smile: "I have heard the sound of Sony's recovery."

Ishida Yoshihisa remained respectful. He saw with his own eyes the efforts of President Fang to nominate himself as CEO: "I will do my best to lead Sony into a new era, and I hope that Sony and Yike can continue to maintain close cooperation."

Fang Zhuo smiled and did not continue the topic.

He saw that Nakabachi Ryoji was discussing with the high-level leaders of the faction in frustration and had no intention of coming over, so he took two steps and communicated with Sony's overseas shareholders.

From morning to afternoon, there was no time to eat lunch.

Fang Zhuo and Hoyle and others had a simple meal, reached an objective and fair consensus, and soon ushered in the highly anticipated temporary shareholders' meeting.

This shareholders' meeting lasted for three days.

Today was another announcement to accept the resignation of Stringer and Katsumi Ihara, announced that Sony would reform, and announced the nomination of a new CEO.

Fang Zhuo did not speak much at the shareholders' meeting, but just watched Ishida Yoshihisa accept the process of shareholders' vote.

Without waves, Nakabachi Ryoji still accepted the result of failure again.

The first time is new, the second time is familiar. He saw the voting result of Yoshihisa Ishida becoming the CEO of Sony from his seat.

"I will work with everyone to make Sony glorious again." Yoshihisa Ishida gave a speech.

Warm applause rang out in the conference hall, and everyone hoped that the new local CEO could reverse Sony's decline.

With the nomination of Sony's new CEO Yoshihisa Ishida passed, this news from the vortex giant quickly made headlines, and along with it was a piece of gossip.

Rumor has it that Sony's external director Fang Zhuo will serve as the new chairman of the board of directors.

Closed-door meetings are never closed enough. I don't know who spread the news, and then the media seized on this point and made a big fuss.

In the evening, Fang Zhuo met a reporter outside the hotel and was asked about the news.

"How can it be possible? Do you believe it?" He asked the reporter.

"If Mr. Fang is the chairman, it is not impossible." The reporter of Tokyo TV said his true feelings.

Mr. Fang + Ishida, this is the best president in the world, the head of Yike, the mysterious man, the doer, the authority + Ishida leading Sony's recovery together, it's good no matter how you look at it.