Jim Ryan, who has served as president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) since 2019, will retire in March 2024. Sony announced today.
This news was first reported in a post on X/Twitter. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier before Sony confirmed it in an announcement shortly thereafter.
Hiroki Totoki will become interim CEO from April 1, 2024. Sony Group Inc.’s president, COO and CFO will also become SIE’s chairman next month and will “support Mr. Ryan’s transition,” Sony said.
Sony also said that Totoki will “work closely” with Kenichiro Yoshida, chairman and CEO of Sony Group Inc., to steer the future of PlayStation “including the succession of the SIE CEO position.” He said it would be fruity.
In a statement today, Ryan cited the challenges of living in Europe while working in North America as the reason for his decision.
“After 30 years, I have made the decision to retire from SIE in March 2024,” Ryan said in a statement. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work at a job I love at a very special company and work with great people and incredible people. I was able to work with him,” he said. partner. However, it has become increasingly difficult to balance life in Europe and work in North America. I’ve had the privilege of working on products that have impacted the lives of millions of people around the world, but I’m retiring. PlayStation will always be a part of my life, and I’m more optimistic than ever about the future of SIE. I would like to thank Mr. Yoshida, who has placed a lot of trust in me and is a very sensitive and cooperative leader. ”
Of course, this move is a big change for the industry, and the PlayStation division in particular has been a big boon for Sony. Sony announced in July that the PlayStation 5 has sold 40 million units since its launch in November 2020. While this is slightly behind PS4, it’s still a huge milestone.
Ryan began his career in 1994 at PlayStation’s European branch. He has since held various leadership positions, and in 2019, he succeeded John Kodera as president and CEO of SIE.
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Alex Steadman is IGN’s senior news editor and oversees entertainment coverage. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.