Sony recently announced the appointment of two new leaders to replace Jim Ryan, who retired as the top executive at PlayStation. Effective June 1, 2024, Hideaki Nishino will become the CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment’s (SIE) Platform Business Group, while Hermen Hulst will be the CEO of SIE’s Studio Business Group. Hiroki Totoki, who has been serving as interim CEO, will assume the role of chairman of SIE while continuing his responsibilities as president, COO, and CFO of Sony Group Corporation.
Nishino, currently the Senior Vice President of the Platform Experience Group, is responsible for developing the technology and user experiences within PlayStation products and services. This group has played a vital role in pushing the boundaries of play, including innovations in PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2. As the CEO of the Platform Business Group, Nishino will oversee technology, products, services, and platform experience. He will also be in charge of third-party publisher and developer relations, as well as sales and marketing.
On the other hand, Hulst, who previously headed Guerrilla Games, the studio behind the Horizon games, currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Head of PlayStation Studios. He is responsible for developing content across various devices and expanding PlayStation IPs into new mediums such as film and television through PlayStation Productions. In his new role as CEO of the Studio Business Group, Hulst will lead the development, publishing, and business operations of SIE’s first-party content.
This leadership change comes at a time when Sony Interactive Entertainment aims to deepen engagement with existing PlayStation users and expand experiences to new audiences. By appointing Nishino and Hulst to these key positions, Sony hopes to leverage their expertise in technology and content development to further grow its gaming community.
Hideaki Nishino expressed his excitement about the new role, stating that Sony Interactive Entertainment will continue to connect players and creators through world-class products, services, and technology. Nishino emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation in every area, aiming to build incredible experiences for an ever-expanding audience.
Hermen Hulst also shared his enthusiasm for leading the Studio Business Group and building on the success of PlayStation 5. Hulst recognizes the significance of the video game industry, one of the largest entertainment industries globally, and intends to continue pushing the boundaries of play and entertainment.
This leadership transition reflects Sony’s dedication to delivering exceptional gaming experiences and expanding its reach in the industry. With Nishino’s focus on technology and platform experience combined with Hulst’s expertise in content development, Sony Interactive Entertainment is well-positioned to thrive in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.
Overall, these appointments highlight Sony’s strategic approach to adapt and excel in the gaming industry by bringing together talented leaders who can drive innovation and deliver captivating experiences to gamers worldwide.