Filling that vacant seat is Sony Europe boss Andrew House, who in turn is replaced by SCEE EVP and co-COO Jim Ryan. Ken Kutaragi steps down.
No longer honorary chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment International, PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi has resigned his post but will stay on as a senior technology advisor. Current SCEI chairman Akira Sato steps down August 31st.
He is replaced by long-time public Sony notable Kaz Hirai.
”In fiscal 2010, we achieved profitability for the first time in five years as a result of group-wide united efforts, including continuous cost reduction for PS3 in which I first took the initiative after assuming President of SCEI in December 2006,” said Hirai.
”We are facing new challenges this year, such as the successful launch of PlayStation Vita and further growth of PS3 platform as well as expansion of non-gaming business. I’m confident that the skills and expertise Andy has gained over two decades working for Sony and SCE Group will contribute enormously in leading the PlayStation business and to bring new initiatives in managing the business in the networked era.”
Andrew House from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe becomes the new CEO and president of Sony Computer Entertainment International. ”Since returning to SCE two years ago, I have focused on further expanding our business in the European/PAL territories and regaining our market leadership there,” said House.
”It is both an honour and a privilege to be named as President and Group CEO at SCEI. I believe there is huge potential for further growth of our business globally, and I’m looking forward to working with everyone in the SCE Group and with other groups in Sony to help achieve this potential by pursuing the creation of brand new user experiences.”
Soon to be retiree Akira Sato had this to say: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the great support from third party game developers and publishers and particularly to the wonderful creators all over the world.”
“Without the great content from a wide spectrum of genres made by third party game developers and publishers, as well as SCE Worldwide Studios, PlayStation would not be where it is now.” It’s good to know PlayStation’s creator remains on at Sony.
