Sony CEO almost died in the war in Vietnam

Sony Corp's general director acknowledged the lessons in Vietnam helped him to adapt to the foreign culture and became the head of the famous Japanese electronics group.

Born on February 19, 1942, his father was English and his mother was Welsh (of the United Kingdom), Howard Stringer came to the US in February 1965 after graduating from Oxford University in England. He applied for jobs to 20 companies, but received only one CBS call letter - one of America's largest broadcasters, with the task of recording broadcast times for programs.

' However, only 3 months later, in May 1965, I received a call for military enlistment from the US military ,' Mr. Stringer recalls, ' I think there must be a mistake because I am a foreigner, but I Be warned that refusing to enlist will be expelled immediately. I realized that going back to England would end my American adventure, and I chose to be a soldier . '

After practicing in South America, Stringer was sent to Vietnam in 1966. Here, he had many memorable moments, fierce battles - including two wrong shots on his troops.

' The worst moment is the day I leave Vietnam. When the plane took off, I was attacked and the right wing of the aircraft hit the bullet. I thought I was going to die today, but luckily the plane continues to fly , 'he recalls.

Sony CEO Howard Stringer.

' Being a foreigner fighting in the US military in Vietnam has helped me improve my ability to adapt to foreign cultures. I believe that 10 months in Vietnam has helped me to have a more cautious view of life in general , 'said Stringer.

After returning to America, Stringer worked as a documentary producer at CBS and later became president of US media CBS Broadcast Group.

' When I first came to America, I dreamed of becoming a film director, but when I came back from Vietnam, I knew I wanted to be a journalist ,' he said.

In 1997, Stringer was recruited by Chairman of the Japanese electronics company, Mr. Nobuyuki Idei, to be president of Sony Corp in the US (SCA). Stringer said it was his passion for challenge that made him accept the invitation.

' At that time, SCA was losing a lot of money because the film business was doing gloomy and in crisis. I feel like I can use my experience at CBS to make a change for Sony, so I accept the top position of SCA as a challenge , 'said Stringer.

In June 2005, Stringer became Sony's Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He was the first foreigner to hold a CEO position in the history of the world's leading electronics company.

' Since becoming CEO, I have called for solidarity. Sony is not only a Japanese company but also a company of Japanese employees. Perhaps my most important role at Sony is to prove that a foreigner does not interfere with creating value for the company. The reform has brought Sony back to its path of recovery and development '.