Sony Computer Entertainment announced this morning that long-serving
President Kazuo Hirai, who has been Group CEO since April 2007, is
moving up to Chairman, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe boss Andrew House is taking his place as global President.
Ken Kutaragi, Kazuo Hirai's predecessor, is also retiring from his role
as Honorary Chairman of the company. Akira Sato is retiring as Chairman.
Hirai had this to say about his successor: "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. 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."
Andrew House has been with Sony since 1990, working on the launch of the
original PlayStation and every system launch since. Congratulations,
Andrew! Well deserved.