After leading Sony’s PlayStation division for nearly three decades, Jim Ryan announced his retirement from the role of President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). Ryan had been at PlayStation since 1994, the year the first iconic console was launched.
The news was announced today by Sony Group Corporation and SIE in a joint press release.
Change at the top of PlayStation: Jim Ryan leaves, Hiroki Totoki takes his place
According to the official press note, Ryan will leave his position in March 2024. However, in this period he will be supported by Hiroki Totoki, current President, COO and CFO of Sony Group Corporation. He will become interim President of SIE as early as October 2023.
Totoki will also serve as interim CEO of SIE from April 1, 2024, maintaining his role at Sony Group Corporation. Furthermore, Totoki will collaborate with Kenichiro Yoshida, President and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, and with the SIE team to define PlayStation’s future strategy and to identify Ryan’s definitive successor.
Below we bring you the long post shared by Jim Ryan, in which the manager thanks the company, the fans and explains the reasons for his decision.
“As you may have heard from today’s news, I have announced my retirement after nearly 30 years at Sony Interactive Entertainment. I have not made this decision lightly as I love SIE and our community with all my heart, but recently I am finding it increasingly difficult to balance living in the UK and working in the US. As mentioned in the press release, I will remain in my role as President and CEO until March 2024. Effective April 1, 2024, Hiroki Totoki will become interim CEO of SIE, maintaining his current role at Sony Group Corporation.
I feel honored to have had the opportunity to lead a company that creates products that touch millions of lives. From the award-winning games to the incredible technical achievement delivered with PlayStation 5, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and truly optimistic for the future of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
From my beginnings in Europe, it was clear that Sony had built something truly special. Generations later, I’m still amazed by the enthusiasm and passion of the PlayStation community. It’s thanks to you that we’ve been able to continue to innovate and deliver even more amazing experiences. Since 1994, generations of players have inspired us to be better, to push the limits, and the results have been incredible.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”