House promoted out of SCEE

After one of the most turbulent periods in the company’s history, Sony has announced details of a significant management reshuffle right at the very top of the organisation.

Current president and group CEO Kaz Hirai will from September first become chairman of Sony’s video games business.

More significantly for the UK industry, current SCEE president and CEO Andrew House will from that date become president and group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment International.

Jim Ryan has been appointed to take over from House, leaving his position as executive vice president and co-COO of SCEE.

Also of huge significance is the retirement of the iconic SCEI honorary chairman Ken Kutaragi. He will continue as Sony’s senior technology adviser. Chariman Akira Sato is also set to retire.

Since 1990 House has served in a number of roles across parts of the business including SCEI (marketing and communications), SCEA (VP of marketing, third party relations and developer support.

In 2005 he was made the CMO of Sony Corporation and in 2009 he became president and CEO of SCEE.

"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,” Hirai stated.

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.”