Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that its current president and CEO, Andrew House, is leaving the company after 27 years.
The PlayStation head honcho is handing over the reins of the company to John Kodera, but will remain with Sony until the year’s end as director/chairman to ensure a smooth transition.
Andrew House moves on from PS4 and Sony
Speaking in a statement overnight, House expressed his interest in pursuing new challenges going forward. It isn’t yet known where the veteran PlayStation executive will go next.
"PlayStation has been a huge part of my life for more than 20 years but with the business having achieved record-breaking success, now seemed to be the right time for me to pursue new challenges," said House.
"I shall always treasure the friendships and people that have made SIE such a wonderful place to work. I’m also grateful to PlayStation fans and gamers around the world for their loyalty and support. John [Kodera] and the team at SIE are world-class and I know the future of PlayStation is very bright."
House joined Sony back in 1990 and helped launch the original PlayStation back in 1995. He was also instrumental in the release and continued success of the PS4, which arrived in late 2013.
"When I passed the baton of leadership for Sony Computer Entertainment to Andrew House in 2011, I was confident that I was leaving the PlayStation business in the best possible hands," commented Sony boss Kazuo Hirai, "and so it has proved.
"Andy and I go back more than 20 years and spent much of this time together, dedicating ourselves to ensuring the success of the PlayStation business. I would like to thank Andy for his contribution over many years, and wish him every success in the future."
House’s replacement himself has been with Sony since 1992 and recently took up leadership of Sony Network Entertainment in 2013.
"It’s a great honor to take on the role of President and CEO, SIE, and I’m very grateful to Kaz and Andy for the trust and faith they have shown in me. I intend to build on the amazing progress Andy has made enhancing the PlayStation brand and expanding the game and network services business, and will strive to further strengthen the unique value proposition we are able to offer via the PlayStation platform,” said Kodera.