It’s only been a few months since former Sony Computer Entertainment CEO, Kazuo Hirai, was promoted to the head of the company’s consumer products division, but now, he’s been promoted again, as part of a management team re-arrangement at the company. Hirai is now in a chairman role at SCE.
Taking his place as Sony Computer Entertainment’s CEO is Andrew House, who is also the current CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
Prior to his role at SCEE, House was responsible for establishing the original PlayStation’s market in North America, and strategizing the launches of the PlayStation 2 and PSP. He also played a key role as the head of Sony’s Third Party Relations unit from the year 2000 onward before ultimately becoming CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Jim Ryan, co-COO of SCEE, will replace him as the European division’s CEO.
“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.”
Additionally, Sony report that “father of the PlayStation,” Ken Kutaragi, has retired from his role as honorary chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment. However, Kutaragi will continue in his role as senior technology adviser of Sony Corporation.
