Hirai becomes SCEI chairman, House takes over as president
Sony's just announced the appointment of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe boss Andrew House as the president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment International.
Previous CEO and president Kaz Hirai has stepped aside from House's new roles to become chairman. Current chairman Akira Sato will retire from the role effective as of August 31.
PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi has stood down as honorary chairman from SCEI as of yesterday, but will maintain a senior technology advisory role within Sony.
SCEE executive vice-president and co-COO Jim Ryan will take over House's role.
These roles are affective as of September 1.
“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."
“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 on his new appointment.
"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."
“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," said Sato on his retirement.
"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."