Exclusive: Sony Has Quietly Cut 100 U.S. Jobs Over Last Several Weeks

Sony Electronics, the U.S. arm of the Japanese consumer products company, has cut around 100 workers from its ranks over the past several weeks.

Although word of the cuts comes just as Sony changed its top leadership in Japan and slashed its full-year forecast sources say the U.S. moves have been in the works for months, and are part of a broader effort by Sony Electronics chief Phil Molyneux to reshape operations here.

Dubbed “Fit for the Future,” the program has Sony looking to improve its profitability and find ways to get closer to its customers through a variety of efforts, including revamping its own stores, putting more workers inside third-party retailers, and stepping up its social media presence.

Its retail makeover began last April, with a new concept store in the Los Angeles area. Sony has since expanded that design to four more locations.

The recent cuts are also unlikely to be the end of the workforce changes, as Sony looks to remake itself in the face of steep competition. Sony has several thousand workers in the U.S., including not only the consumer electronics arm, but also staff in its professional camera unit and its service and support operations.

Sony is expected to talk more about its U.S. plans at a press event next month.


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