PlayStation’s CEO Jim Ryan announces retirement after three decades

Jim Ryan, the long-serving President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment has revealed his plans to retire in March 2024, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning almost 30 years.

Ryan’s journey within the Sony empire commenced in 1994 when he joined the Europe-based legal entity known then as Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, which subsequently evolved into Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe (SIEE). Over the years, his ascent through the ranks was marked by a series of prominent roles, including President of SIEE and Head of Global Sales and Marketing at SIE.

Jim Ryan thanks the PlayStation community as he announces his plans to retire from Sony Interactive Entertainment in March 2024: https://t.co/FFarEpedBh

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 27, 2023

 

In January 2018, he was appointed Deputy President of SIE before assuming the mantle of the group’s President and CEO in the following year. A pivotal achievement during his tenure was the highly successful launch of the PlayStation 5, an endeavor that stood as a testament to his leadership acumen.

The PlayStation 5, despite facing pandemic-related supply chain challenges, soared to unprecedented heights, boasting 40 million units sold as of July this year. This accomplishment was further underscored by the continual growth of the PlayStation Network, which tallied 108 million monthly active users, up from 103 million in the previous year.

Jim Ryan reflected on his decision to retire, stating, “After 30 years, I have made the decision to retire from SIE in March 2024. I’ve relished the opportunity to have a job I love in a very special company, working with great people and incredible partners. But I’ve found it increasingly difficult to reconcile living in Europe and working in North America.”

A Shifting of Leadership:

To facilitate the transition, Hiroki Totoki, currently the Deputy President, CFO, and COO of Sony Group Corporation, will assume the role of interim CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment commencing April 1, 2024. Totoki is set to work closely with Sony Group Corporation Chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida and the SIE management team to chart the future course of PlayStation and identify a worthy successor to Jim Ryan.

Ryan’s retirement announcement comes on the heels of Sony’s strategic 10-year agreement with Microsoft, ensuring that the blockbuster franchise Call of Duty remains available on PlayStation platforms following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This historic accord is slated to reach its finalization phase starting in October.

Jim’s legacy with Sony:

As Jim prepares to step down, the gaming community watches with keen interest, awaiting the next chapter in the storied history of Sony Interactive Entertainment under fresh leadership. While the post-retirement ventures of Jim Ryan remain shrouded in mystery, his enduring passion and dedication to the gaming domain shall forever be etched in industry lore. PlayStation will undoubtedly continue to occupy a cherished space in his life, as the future of SIE unfolds under the stewardship of Hiroki Totoki.

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