In a surprising turn of events, Phil Harrison has stepped down from his position as President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. It is has been reported that Kaz Hirai will assume that role, in addition to his current responsibilities. After his infamous speech at GDC 07 revealing Playstation Home and Little Big Planet , I really started to like the guy. Harrison had this to say:
“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining
journey of my life so far,” said Phil Harrison. “I am grateful to all the
PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship.
It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by
them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved
and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”
The rumor is that he will go to Atari. I find that really hard to believe, but then again I didn’t except Phil to leave Sony just when things were turning around them.
SCE Group CEO Kazuo Hirai Assumes Responsibilities
TOKYO, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/—Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
today announced that Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer
Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will resign from Sony Computer
Entertainment Group as of February 29, 2008. Kazuo Hirai, President and
Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of
SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties.
Prior to the launch of the original PlayStation, Phil Harrison joined
Sony Electronics Publishing, Ltd. in 1992, which later evolved into Sony
computer Entertainment Europe, and since then, he has made a tremendous
contribution to the company playing a strategic role in the launch of four
PlayStation platforms, as well as building strong relationships with game
developers and publishers throughout the world. Since his appointment to
the position of president, SCE WWS, Harrison applied his considerable
skill, knowledge and expertise to lead SCE Group’s first party game
development as well as aggressively pursuing the development of new online
entertainment experiences.
“As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the
development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry,” said
Kazuo Hirai. “It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to
express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish
Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”
“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining
journey of my life so far,” said Phil Harrison. “I am grateful to all the
PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship.
It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by
them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved
and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the
progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer
Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the
PlayStation(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment
system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system
and the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)) system. PlayStation has revolutionized
home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and
PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home
networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that
allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and
high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system,
incorporating the state-of- the-art Cell processor with super computer like
power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and
Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and
distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for
these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in
Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business
unit of the Sony Group.
Comments: (3)
Michael on Tue, Feb 26th, 2008 at 04:09 PM
If he does end up at Atari, that would be interesting.
Sri on Tue, Feb 26th, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Yeah it definitely would, but what I’m really interested in is why he decided to resign from his position.
Michael on Tue, Feb 26th, 2008 at 05:03 PM
Why does a guy like him resign? Because they were offered more money else where.
People like him don’t get interviewed, they interview companies and if they like the company and the money is good they go for it.
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