Jim Ryan, PlayStation CEO, announces his retirement after three decades

Jim Ryan, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). for many years, has revealed his plans to retire in March 2024, thus marking the end of an illustrious career spanning almost 30 years.

Ryan’s journey within the Sony empire began in 1994, when he joined the European-based legal entity then known as Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, which later evolved into Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe (SIEE).

Over the years, his rise through the ranks was marked by a number of notable roles, including President of SIEE and Head of Global Sales and Marketing for SIE. In January 2018, he was appointed Vice Chairman of SIE before assuming the position of President and CEO the following year.

A key achievement during his tenure was the successful launch of the PlayStation 5.an effort that was testament to his leadership acumen. The PlayStation 5, despite pandemic-related problems, achieved unprecedented heights, with 40 million units sold as of July this year. This achievement was underscored by the continued growth of the PlayStation Networkwhich reached 108 million monthly active users, up from 103 million the previous year.

After 30 years, I have made the decision to retire from SIE in March 2024. I have enjoyed the opportunity to have a job I love at a very special company, working with great people and amazing partners. But I am finding it increasingly difficult to reconcile living in Europe and working in North America.

Jim Ryan

To ease the transition, Hiroki Totoki, currently vice president, CFO and COO of Sony Group Corporation, will assume the position of interim CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. effective April 1, 2024. Totoki will work closely with Kenichiro Yoshida, president and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, and the SIE management team to chart PlayStation’s path and identify a worthy successor to Jim Ryan.

The announcement of Ryan’s retirement comes on the heels of the 10-year strategic agreement between Sony and Microsoft.which guarantees that the successful Call of Duty franchise will continue to be available on PlayStation platforms, and following the acquisition also of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. This landmark deal is expected to reach its final stage as of October.

As Jim prepares to leave his post, the gaming community looks forward with great interest to the next chapter in Sony Interactive Entertainment’s history under new leadership. While Jim Ryan’s post-retirement adventures remain shrouded in mystery, his passion and dedication to the world of video games will forever be etched in the history of the industry. PlayStation will undoubtedly continue to hold a dear place in his life as SIE’s future unfolds under the leadership of Hiroki Totoki.