Current Chief Executive Officer and President of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) Jim Ryan is stepping down from his roles after 32 years with PlayStation, the company announced. Meanwhile, the existing Chief Operation Officer and Chief Financial Officer Hiroki Totoki will be stepping up as the company’s Chairman, beginning October 2023.
Per the announcement, Totoki will also be assuming the role of an “Interim SEO” to SIE while juggling his new role as SIE chairman. Coincidentally, he will also be working alongside “Sony Group Corporation Chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida and the management team of SIE”.
Yoshida spoke
Speaking on the topic of Ryan’s imminent retirement, Yoshida spoke to him as an “inspiration leader” throughout his mainstay. He even highlighted the importance of his role in the launch of the PlayStation 5 during the pandemic, citing it as a feat that made the flagship console “SIE’s most successful console yet”. And with that in mind, he thanked the future former CEO and president for “all his achievements”.
But as the role that Jim Ryan is leaving behind is too important to leave vacant, a replacement is also inevitable. However, Yoshida claimed that there will be a “new management structure,” following “intense” discussions.
“We aim to achieve Sony Group’s further evolution and growth through bringing even greater success to the Game & Network Services Business,” he added.
Jim Ryan’s response
Jim Ryan himself is not just retiring from his high positions in SIE without a word. Although he claims his love for his job, it appears that the decision to leave boils down to the irreconcilable difference between leaving and working on two different continents. Particularly, while living in Europe and working in North America.
But on a positive note, Ryan said that he will be leaving with the privilege of having worked on products that “touch millions of lives across the world”. He also stated that PlayStation will be a part of himself and is more optimistic than ever about the future of SIE. Likewise, he is thanking Kenichiro Yoshida for trusting him and for serving as an “incredibly supportive and supportive leader”.
Ensuring ongoing success and growth
Meanwhile, Totoki also expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to Jim Ryan for all his achievements and contributions to the company. But he said that he will be working closely with Ryan and the senior management team to ensure the company’s “continued success and growth”.
