Sega's Mike Hayes steps down

Sega's European and US CEO Mike Hayes is to leave the company later this year, with Euro duties being handed to Jurgen Post, current chief operating officer of the region. Update: Sega has clarified that in the US, "Masanao Maeda has been the COO for a number of years already and that has not changed," so Post and Maeda will oversee the respective territories.

Hayes joined Sega in 2004 and was involved in the acquisitions of Sports Interactive and The Creative Assembly as well as shifting the publisher into digital markets.

"Mike has achieved a huge amount during his time at Sega and we thank him for the amazing things he has accomplished," said Naoya Tsurumi, president and representative director of Sega.

"Mike is a great character and very passionate about the industry, he helped steer the extraordinary growth of Sega and has built an exceptional team of professionals that will stand us in good stead for the future."

Hayes will take on exec and non-exec roles in and around the industry whilst remaining in an advisory role with the Sonic publisher.