Harmen Hulst and Hideaki Nishino will jointly replace Jim Ryan as CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Hulst is CEO of the newly named Studio Business Group. This group includes his team for all of PlayStation's first parties, as well as the development of his PlayStation IP into other media such as television and film. Hulst was already the head of PlayStation Studios. He was previously the co-founder of Horizon and Killzone developer Guerrilla Games, which was acquired by Sony in 2005.
“I'm excited to lead the studio business group and build on our success with PlayStation 5 as we prepare for the future,” Hulst said in a statement. is built on the fusion of content and technology, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of play and entertainment. ”
Hideaki Nishino will lead the platform business group, which includes console hardware, technology, accessories, PlayStation Network, and third-party relations (covering major publishers and indie studios). He was already the senior vice president of Platform Experience. He has been involved in the Sony business since his 2006 and has held numerous positions at Sony Network Entertainment, Sony Corporation, and SIE.
Nishino said, “We will continue to connect players and creators through world-class products, services, and technology.'' “We are constantly striving to innovate in all areas of Sony Interactive Entertainment and grow our community even further.”
“I am honored to have been appointed to this important role with Hermen. By working more closely together, we are in a position to build great experiences for our ever-expanding audience now and in the future.”
Both leaders will report directly to Sony Interactive Entertainment Chairman Hiroki Totoki, who has been acting CEO of the division since Jim Ryan resigned at the end of March. Mr. Totoki also serves as president, COO, and CFO of Sony Group Corporation. The latest changes will take effect from June 1st.
“Sony Interactive Entertainment is a dynamic, growing business that delivers great entertainment experiences through the connection between content and technology. We will manage our strategic direction to maintain focus,” Totoki said. Expanding the experience to PlayStation users and new audiences. ”
The fact that both new CEOs are PlayStation veterans is consistent with Sony's approach of promoting from within. However, the decision to have two leaders reflects the division's growing size and scope, not something the company has done in the past.
PlayStation's studio business has grown rapidly over the past decade, both in terms of employee numbers and brand size. The company's recent strategy includes porting more titles to PC, developing TV shows and movies based on its IP, and pushing the development of live service games, including acquiring Destiny developer Bungie in 2022. ing.
However, costs have also increased significantly, resulting in recent matches being canceled, staff laid off and the closure of the London studio. A release detailing the new leadership says the structure is designed to deliver “sustainable growth.”