Sony personnel changes

[patsu]

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/115/1154389p1.html

Long-time marketing executive Peter Dille has left Sony Computer Entertainment America, a spokesperson confirmed to IGN this afternoon. Dille served as the company's senior vice president of Marketing and PlayStation Network. His position has not been filled. A reason for his departure was not provided.

....

Peter has been a dedicated and valued member of the PlayStation team for more than 5 years, leading the North American marketing efforts since PlayStation 3 launch in 2006, as well as helping establish the PlayStation Network as a comprehensive entertainment solution in this territory.

The leadership of our marketing effort is a key to the continued growth of the PlayStation brand, and the deep bench of executives and marketing team at SCEA will continue to drive the marketing function in North America until we establish a replacement. We wish Peter well in his future endeavors.

Hmm...

 

[Prophecy2k]

He may have been hired by EA ;-)

EA snaps up everybody

 

[mrcorbo]

Any word on how they are going to address the Dille hole? /rimshot

 

[Shifty Geezer]

But he was a bit rubbish, no? So why would EA snap him up? Sony's marketing this gen has been pretty lousy, with an upturn to mediocrity with "It only does everything".

 

[BRiT]

I wonder if it was to take responsibility for their own persona, Kevin Butler, in retweeting Sony's private keys.

 

[patsu]

Any word on how they are going to address the Dille hole? /rimshot

Pending hiring. Sony marketing has been rather scattered partly due to its size and multiple regions. We shall see if there's any big difference.

I wonder if it was to take responsibility for their own persona, Kevin Butler, in retweeting Sony's private keys.

That's just a minute matter. Most people don't care.


EDIT:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-03-09-sony-closes-projects-at-uk-studios

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that it is to close or cancel a number of games across its UK studios.

"It has been decided that production on a small number of projects within London Studio, Studio Liverpool, and Evolution Studios will be streamlined or closed due to a portfolio review and project prioritisation," said the company in a statement.

"This decision was made following an internal review of all games and it was deemed that with the incredibly strong list of exclusive first party titles coming up both this year and in the near future, resource should be reallocated to enhance those projects closer to completion.

Should be a good decision. The number of games coming out this year is crazy. They need time to polish them, and may be spread them out more.

 

[patsu]

Should probably change the thread title to "Sony Execs Shuffle". Kaz Hirai got promoted again. I sure hope he doesn't forget us PS3 customers. ^_^

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap...YDuHRQ?docId=238fc94e8c004230b7ab0affbe11ccdd

TOKYO (AP) — Sony Corp. said Thursday it will reorganize its main electronics businesses and promote the star of its gaming operations to lead a new consumer products division.

The iconic company said it will combine the vast array of products that have made it famous with consumers — including TVs, video games, PCs and mobile phones — into a single new group. A second main division will be formed with the company's digital components and business-facing products.

The massive consumer group will be led by Kazuo Hirai, a rising executive who has overseen a recovery in Sony's video game business. The move likely sets the stage for Hirai to one day take over for current CEO Howard Stringer.

Tokyo-based Sony remains a household brand name, but has lost much of the glow from years past, when products like its Walkman portable music players transformed the electronics industry. It is currently struggling against flashier rivals like Apple Inc. and large competitors like Korea's Samsung Electronics Co.

The company said last month that quarterly profit dropped from a year earlier, pulled down by the strong yen and falling TV prices. It also cut its annual sales forecast for the current financial period.

The changes revealed Thursday are to be implemented from the start of the company's next fiscal year that begins in April.

The promotion of Hirai makes it more likely he will one day run the company. In a press release, the company said Stringer would remain in charge, but the reshuffle was aimed at "empowering the next generation of Sony's management."

Hirai, 50, is one of Sony's most charismatic, recognizable leaders. Fluent in English, he has been instrumental in the success of the PlayStation brand in the U.S. and the rise of gaming as a major entertainment platform rivaling movies and television. Entertainment Weekly once named him one of the most powerful executives in the industry.

So... Howard Stringer is starting to groom a successor or at least an assistant.