No one expected this kind of news, especially in the middle of the night. But a press release has just been shared on the official website of Sony Interactive Entertainment, CEO Jim Ryan has decided to retire. As a reminder, this future ex-president is part of the adventure PlayStation for around thirty years and took the reins of the company in 2019. Although he carried the PS5 as it should be (sales are excellent), a large part of the community really does not like his communication; everyone still remembers the mess around theupgrade PS5Horizon Forbidden West.
He therefore speaks and specifies:
After 30 years, I have made the decision to retire from SIE in March 2024. I have enjoyed being able to do a job that I love in a very special company, working with great people and exceptional partners. But it is increasingly difficult for me to combine my life in Europe and my work in North America (Editor’s note: Jim Ryan is English). I will leave having had the privilege of working on products that have touched millions of people around the world. PlayStation will always be a part of my life, and I feel more optimistic than ever about the company’s future. I would like to thank Yoshida-san for his trust in me and for being an incredibly caring and understanding leader.
So you will have understood, Jim Ryan just can’t keep up ; at the same time, with the time difference, it’s not necessarily easy. On the side of Sony Interactive Entertainmentit’s a bit of panic since the firm is looking for a replacement ! In the meantime, the giant has decided to support Mr. Ryan in his transition by putting at the head of SIE Hiroki Totoki, currently President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Sony Group Corporation. Thus, from October 2023, the Japanese will wear several hats to try to maintain the bar…
Hiroki Totoki […] will assume the role of Chairman of SIE effective October 2023. Effective April 1, 2024, Mr. Totoki will be appointed as Acting CEO of SIE while retaining his current role within Sony Group Corporation. Mr. Totoki will work closely with Sony Group Corporation Chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida and the SIE leadership team to define the future chapter of PlayStation, including succession as CEO of SIE.
Hiroki Totoki also wants to share a few words:
I would like to express my deep gratitude to Jim Ryan for his outstanding achievements and contributions during his 30-year career at Sony, including the great success of the PlayStation 5 launch. The PlayStation business managed by SIE is a vital part of of the entire Sony group business portfolio. I will work closely with Jim and the management team to ensure our continued success and expansion. I also look forward to building an exciting future for PlayStation and the gaming industry with all SIE employees and business partners.
Finally, the general live Sony, Kenichiro Yoshida, stated:
Jim Ryan has been an inspirational leader throughout his time with us, but never more so than overseeing the launch of PlayStation 5 in the midst of the global COVID pandemic. This extraordinary feat achieved by the entire SIE team has been constantly consolidated and the PlayStation 5 is poised to become SIE’s most successful console to date. I am immensely grateful to Jim for all he has accomplished. Respecting Jim’s decision to end his long career at Sony, I must make an important decision regarding his succession, given the importance of the Game & Network Services business. We discussed intensively and determined the new management structure.
It remains to be seen what turn will take PlayStation in a few months… The return of the stands PlayStation during video game fairs? More aggressive communication? More live? Fans of the branch are hoping to have some answers regarding the future of the PS5. And for good reason, some are waiting for more information about future exclusives coming to their console. In short, as we say quite often, “wait and see”.
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