Sony Shakes Up Leadership Ranks

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is undergoing a leadership change, effective April 1. Hideaki Nishino will become the new president and CEO of SIE, replacing Jim Ryan, who is retiring in March 2024. Nishino was previously the CEO of the division’s Platform Business Group and will work in partnership with Hermen Hulst, who will continue to oversee Sony’s first-party games.

New Leadership Structure

Nishino and Hulst will lead SIE in a new direction, focusing on developing experiences that deliver entertainment for everyone. They will continue to grow the PlayStation community through IP expansion and deliver the best in technology innovation. Hulst will also be responsible for helping adapt Sony’s video game franchises into other mediums via PlayStation Productions.

Challenges Ahead

The new leadership team has faced several challenges since taking over. Just before their appointment, Ryan announced that SIE was laying off 900 staff and shutting down London Studio. Since then, Nishino and Hulst have been dealing with the fallout of Ryan’s efforts to focus on live-service games. The company has also canceled several live-service projects, including a hero shooter called Concord, which was met with a disastrous debut.

Changes in Other Departments

The leadership change also affects other departments within Sony. SIE Chairman Hiroki Totoki is stepping down to become the new CEO of Sony, succeeding Kenichiro Yoshida, who will remain the company’s chairman. Totoki will also be replaced as CFO by Lin Tao, a senior vice-president of finance, corporate strategy and development at SIE.

Statement from Hideaki Nishino

"I am truly honored to take the helm at Sony Interactive Entertainment," Nishino said in a statement. "Technology and creativity are two of our biggest strengths as we continue to focus on developing experiences that deliver entertainment for everyone. We will continue to grow the PlayStation community in new ways, such as IP expansion, while also delivering the best in technology innovation."

Hermen Hulst’s Role

Hulst will continue to oversee Sony’s first-party games and will be responsible for helping adapt the company’s video game franchises into other mediums via PlayStation Productions. He will also work closely with Nishino to drive the company’s growth and innovation.