Phil Harrison quits Sony

President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios Phil Harrison will resign 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.

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.”

Harrison joined Sony Electronics Publishing in 1992, which later evolved into Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, and since then, he has made huge contribution to the company playing a strategic role in the launch of four PlayStation platforms, as well as building relationships with game developers and publishers throughout the world.

Since his appointment to the position of president of SCE WWS, Harrison has headed up SCE Group’s first party game development as well as aggressively pursuing the development of new online entertainment experiences.

MCV understands that Harrison wil be making a return to the industry within weeks – keep reading mcvuk.com for the latest.