Andrew House becomes president of Sony's PlayStation business
Jim Ryan becomes Sony Europe president, as Ken Kutaragi steps down as honorary SCEI chairman
Former Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) president Andrew House has been made president of Sony Computer Entertainment International (SCEI), with SCEE co-COO Jim Ryan taking House's place.
Current SCEI chairman Akira Sato will retire from the role in August 31, leaving the way for Sony Corp. deputy executive president Kazuo Hirai to take his place and for House to become president of SCEI.
At the same time as the announcement PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi stepped down as honorary chairman of SCEI, although he still maintains his senior technology advisory role at Sony.
"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.
"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’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," said Hirari.
"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," he added.