Phil Harrison Quits Sony News
Jon Wilcox
25/02/2008
The head of Sony Worldwide Studios resigns his position after sixteen years at Sony Computer Entertainment...
Sony Computer Entertainment has today announced the resignation of Phil Harrison from his position as Head of Sony Worldwide Studios, effective from February 29th.
Current SCE boss Kaz Hirai will take over the role in addition to his current responsibilities. Harrison's departure is a huge surprise, especially since he helmed the creation of a unified 'Sony Worldwide Studios' back in 2005, effectively becoming the figurehead of SCE since the departure of Ken Kutaragi. Today's news is sure to send some shockwaves through the industry, especially as 2008 has been touted by many analysts to be the PS3's 'year'.
"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 before the launch of the original PlayStation, working on the precursor to SCEE, Sony Electronics Pubishing back in 1992. Today's news doesn't mean that we've heard the last from Harrision however; reports from UK industry publication MCV suggests that he'll be returning to videogaming within a matter of weeks.