Sony Interactive Entertainment's (SIE) offices in Silicon Valley
Sony has announced Jim Ryan, President & CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, will retire next year following a career of almost 30 years at the company
Sony has announced Jim Ryan, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, will retire in 2024 after a near-30 year career at the company.
First joining Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Europe-based legal entity, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe (SIEE) in 1994, Ryan has held a number of senior positions at the company, before being appointed SIE President and CEO in June 2020.
Sony said Hiroki Totoki, Sony Group Corporation's President, COO, and CFO, will become Chairman of SIE from October 2023. Totoki will then take up the mantle of Interim CEO of SIE from April 1, 2024, while continuing to serve in his current role at Sony Group Corporation.
“Jim Ryan has been an inspirational leader throughout his entire period with us, but never more so than in overseeing the launch of PlayStation 5 in the midst of the global COVID pandemic,” commented Kenichiro Yoshida, Sony Group Corporation Chairman and CEO.
“Respecting Jim’s decision to finish his long career at Sony leaves me with an important decision regarding his succession given the significance of the Game & Network Services business. We have discussed intensively and have determined the new management structure. We aim to achieve Sony Group’s further evolution and growth through bringing even greater success to the Game & Network Services Business.”
Who is Jim Ryan: Sony Interactive Entertainment’s retiring President and CEO?
Jim Ryan began his journey at Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe (SIEE) in 1994. Over the years, Ryan climbed the corporate ladder, assuming roles such as President of SIEE, Head of Global Sales and Marketing at SIE, and Deputy President of SIE before becoming its President and CEO.
Notably, he played an instrumental role in the successful launch of the PlayStation 5 console amid the COVID-19 pandemic, solidifying its place in the market.
“From my beginning in Europe, it was clear that Sony had built something truly special,” Ryan wrote in a blog post after the announcement. “Generations later, I am still amazed by the excitement and passion of the PlayStation community. It is thanks to you that we have been able to keep innovating and delivering even greater experiences.
“I feel humbled at having the opportunity to lead a company delivering products that touch millions of lives. From award-winning games to the incredibly immersive technical achievements delivered with PlayStation 5, I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved and very optimistic for the future of Sony Interactive Entertainment.”
According to Sony, Totoki will work closely with Yoshida and the management team of SIE to help define the next chapter of PlayStation’s future, including the succession of the SIE CEO role.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Jim Ryan for his outstanding achievements and contributions over his 30-year career at Sony, including the great success of launching the PlayStation 5,” commented Totoki. “The PlayStation business managed by SIE is an essential part of Sony Group’s entire business portfolio. I will work with Jim and the senior management team closely to ensure our continued success and further growth. I am also looking forward to creating the exciting future of PlayStation and the game industry together with everyone at SIE and its business partners.
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