MAM
Andrew House is Sony Corporation’s new chief marketing officer
MUMBAI: Sony Corporation announced today that Andrew House has been promoted to the newly-created position of chief marketing officer and group executive, effective immediately. He will report jointly to Sony Corporation chairman and CEO Howard Stringer and Sony Corporation President and Sony Electronics CEO Dr. Ryoji Chubachi.
“Sony’s brand is one of the company’s greatest assets,” said Stringer. “Andy will work toward creating a brand personality unique to Sony, one that reflects all aspects of our business.”
“Sony is one of the world’s most recognized and best loved brands, so this is a very exciting opportunity,” said House. “My challenge will be to enhance our brand further by taking advantage of all the assets across the organization globally, including both electronics and entertainment.”
In his new role House will have global responsibility for corporate marketing across all of Sony’s businesses, with a primary emphasis on building value in the Sony brand and helping divisions to work together to enhance Sony’s relationship with the consumer. He will also develop a consistent and coordinated marketing approach across segments to represent a united Sony, with special focus on advertising and promotional activities.
House joined Sony in 1990, and spent his first five years working in corporate communications for Sony Corporation in Japan. In April 1995, he joined the marketing and communications division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., the parent company for Sony Computer Entertainment America and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. There, he was responsible for the marketing and promotion of Sony Computer Entertainment’s European and US developed game titles for the Japanese market prior to leading the marketing effort for Sony Computer Entertainment America beginning in March 1996.
Since 2002 House has held the position of executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America, where he oversaw all facets of the company’s marketing and brand management efforts in North America, and was responsible for third party and developer relations.
During his tenure, House was instrumental in the creation and execution of the marketing strategy that transformed and expanded the PlayStation brand into a household name, appealing to a mass-market audience. He was a key player in developing award-winning advertising campaigns for the company, including the innovating marketing campaign for the launch of PlayStation Portable in North America. In 1999 and 2000 AdAge magazine included him in its “Power 50” list.
House is originally from Wales and is a British citizen. He will be based in the US and Japan.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
