MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton will on 2 February reportedly step down as he plans to focus on his role as the chairman of the board of Snap Inc., owner of Snapchat.

The entertainment industry is undergoing major transformative changes, and Lynton's expertise in the media and entertainment space had been invaluable. Lynton implemented structural and management changes at Sony which would help its music business sustain its good momentum, and the pictures business to set the path for restoring profitability, although Sony recognises the challenges in the motion-pictures business would take some time.

Lynton will however stay on as co-CEO of Sony Entertainment for six months, overseeing the music and pictures businesses, and as the CEO of Sony Corporation of America and Sony Pictures Entertainment, so as to help a smooth change-over, the World Screen has reported.

Tokyo-based Sony Corporation president and CEO Kazuo Hirai is scheduled to take on an enhanced hands-on role within the company’s television, movie and music division.

Lynton has said that it had been an extraordinary 13 years and an honour to work with Sony's some of the most creative and talented people in the entertainment space. He said he had been involved with Snapchat since its early days, and, given its rise since, decided the time was ripe to focus on his role as the Snap Inc. board chairman.

Hirai said he wanted to thank Lynton for his strong leadership at Sony throughout his illustrious career.