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SoftBank’s Arora Steps Down as Son Chooses to Stay in Charge
- Company’s president departs after Supercell purchase closed
- Some shareholders have questioned Arora’s track record
SoftBank Shakeup: Nikesh Arora Steps Down
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Nikesh Arora, the heir apparent at SoftBank Group Corp., will step down from the Japanese company in a surprise departure after founder Masayoshi Son made clear he wouldn’t get the top executive role in the near future.
The former Google executive had come under fire from some investors over his qualifications for the job. But Son said those criticisms played no part in the departure. Rather, the 58-year-old founder said that he wants to remain at the helm of the company for a few more years, while Arora aspired to be chief executive officer more quickly. Arora, 48, will remain an adviser to SoftBank.