SoftBank president Arora quits after founder Son decides to stay in charge

Tokyo

NIKESH Arora, president and chief operating officer of SoftBank Group Corp and touted as its heir apparent, 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 and one of the highest-paid company officials in the world will remain as an adviser. Chairman Son plans to keep leading the company while Mr Arora wanted to take charge in a few years time, with the different timelines leading to Tuesday's resignation, the company said.