Phil Harrison resigning from sony (kotaku.com)

[7th lutz]

http://kotaku.com/360259/phil-harris...ning-from-sony

Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) will resign on February 29th. Harrison has been with Sony since 1992, when he joined Sony Electronics Publishing. That Sony branch later evolved into Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Says Harrison:

The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far. I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.

Perhaps it was the friction a cranky Phil Harrison alluded to at GDC, concerning the difficulties of working with Sony Japan that lead to his decision. Perhaps it was something else. Regardless, SCE CEO Kaz Hirai will assume Harrison's role as well as attend to his own duties as SCE CEO. Full press release after the jump.

SCE Worldwide Studios President Phil Harrison Resigns

SCE Group CEO Kazuo Hirai Assumes Responsibilities

TOKYO, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group as of February 29, 2008. Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties.
Prior to the launch of the original PlayStation, Phil Harrison joined Sony Electronics Publishing, Ltd. in 1992, which later evolved into Sony computer Entertainment Europe, and since then, he has made a tremendous contribution to the company playing a strategic role in the launch of four PlayStation platforms, as well as building strong relationships with game developers and publishers throughout the world. Since his appointment to the position of president, SCE WWS, Harrison applied his considerable skill, knowledge and expertise to lead SCE Group's first party game development as well as aggressively pursuing the development of new online entertainment experiences.
"As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry," said Kazuo Hirai. "It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors."
"The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far," said Phil Harrison. "I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can."

I know there is a rumor of him joining Atari on Kotaku. Here is the link: http://kotaku.com/360263/phil-harrison-is-joining-atari .

[heybtbm]

Goodbye baldy!

My favorite Phil Harrisonism was claiming that Sony's biggest regret during the PS3 launch was not having enough systems in the retail channel. Lol. That was classic.

[swlovinist]

I think that every company eventaully makes mistakes. For Sony it is the PS3. I think that Phil probably did alot of great things for the company. Yet another shake out and top person leaving Sony.

[Nebagram]

Aww, with Gollum retiring who do we have to take the piss out of? :-( This is the worst thing for us cynics since John Cena got injured.

[diskoboy]

There's an rumor on Joystiq that Atari might try and scoop him up.

I don't see it happening, considering how broke they are..

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/ru...head-to-atari/

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I heard he's leaving Sony to live a full-time existence in the HOME beta.