Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that Kazuo Hirai, the company's most prominent fixture, has stepped down as representative director and chairman of the board of directors. He will remain on the Board, but in a part-time manner.
Be rest assured, though, that Hirai-san will remain as Sony Corporation's president and CEO. It just looks like the likelihood of him announcing the next "Riiiiidge Racerrrr!" at E3 will be fairly slim.
[Source]