Sony Corp. of America has appointed Tim Schaaff has been appointed to the newly-created position of svp of Software Development, effective immediately. Schaaff reports to Keiji Kimura, evp and officer in charge of Technology Strategy of Sony Corp.
Schaaff joins Sony from Apple Computer, where he held various positions including VP of Interactive Media. His many contributions at Apple included managing the development and maintenance of Apple's QuickTime platform. Prior to working at Apple, Schaaff worked on the development of the Synclavier music synthesizer at New England Digital.
"Software is obviously a critical element in creating champion Sony products, and in increasing the value of Sony devices and services by ensuring interoperability," said Howard Stringer, chairman/ceo of Sony Corp. "Tim's expertise is a vital addition to the Sony team, and he will be responsible for developing and deploying a unified, intuitive Sony 'look and feel' to user interfaces and functionality across our entire product line."
"This is a very exciting time to work for Sony," said Schaaff. "Under the new management's initiative Sony is transforming itself by strengthening horizontal coordination and collaboration, including software development. I look forward to making contributions to increase the value of Sony's products."
"Having a consistent and scaleable software platform for our devices and services is important in today's world," said Kimura. "Tim's goal is to unify previously dispersed functions into a single organization that provides important platform support for all of Sony."
Schaaff will be based in San Jose and will have global responsibility for a newly created team that will include technologists and business planners who will work with Sony's business units, design centers, product planning and engineering, as well as corporate centers for standards, intellectual property, licensing and business development.
Sony Corp. of America (www.sony.com), based in New York City, is the U.S. subsidiary of Sony Corp., headquartered in Tokyo. Sony is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Its music, motion picture, television, computer entertainment and online businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world. Sony's principal U.S. businesses include Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Pictures Ent., Sony Computer Ent. America Inc. and a 50% interest in Sony BMG Music Ent.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
