Phil Harrison, a former Sony executive, will lead Microsoft’s European Studios organization to grow the division’s business. Microsoft today announced that Harrison has joined the Interactive Entertainment Business as corporate vice president. In his new role, Harrison will influence the broader performance of IEB’s European business through strategic partnerships for Microsoft platforms, now and in the future, according to today’s announcement.
"I am excited to be joining the senior team at Microsoft at a pivotal time for our industry," said Harrison. "I am really impressed with the company’s long-term vision for growing the market for interactive entertainment globally and also with the incredible wealth of talent, technology and resources the company has available to succeed."
Harrison has some 25 years of games industry and development experience and was a long-time leader at Sony Computer Entertainment. In his role at Sony, he held various senior executive positions within the company. He was most recently the president of Worldwide Studios. He then joined the board of Infogrames, and was the president of Atari. Harrison has experience in console gaming, new business and technologies, including the mobile and social space. He’ll also oversee the U.K.-based developers Lionhead Studios, Soho Productions, and Rare.
"We are honored to have Phil join a team that boasts a wealth of talent from across the industry," said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president at Microsoft Studios. "Phil is one of video gaming’s true visionaries, and his experience overseeing global studios and deep industry relationships make him the ideal person to lead our European efforts. Under his leadership, we look forward to continuing cultivating the best talent and growing our business in the region."
"Phil has played an instrumental role in shaping modern console history through his keen insights into both hardware and software strategy," said Don Mattrick, president, Interactive Entertainment Business. "His addition to our leadership team will impact our global business in innumerable ways, as he aligns our studio development and growing portfolio of entertainment experiences in Europe to drive our continued growth worldwide."
Given this announcement do you think Harrison will play a key role in Microsoft’s next console? Could we see Microsoft enter the mobile market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.