Phil Harrison's Sony shoes filled

Following the departure of Phil Harrison, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. has named a new president of SCE Worldwide Studios.

Shuhei Yoshida will become the president of SCE WWS beginning May 16, marking what may be the beginning of a new era for PlayStation's software division.

Yoshida is currently SVP of U.S. Studios at SCE WW. When he assumes his new position, he'll be filling shoes left by the highly visible Harrison, who departed Sony in February this year, and took a job with French game publisher Infogrames.

Yoshida has been with SCEI since 1993, and was an initial member of the PlayStation business, according to a Sony statement. In 1996, he became producer of the product development department, and in 2000, joined SCEA as VP of product development.

He landed his most recent SVP position in February 2007.

A statement from SCE group CEO Kaz Hirai read: "SCE WWS has been developing global hit titles, sharing resources and know-how within SCE Group since its foundation, and we will reinforce our software business by further enhancing coordination among the studios under a new leader.

"Under the leadership of Yoshida, who has proven track record in managing creative talent, SCE WWS will accelerate the software development for the PlayStation 3 and PSP platforms and vigorously expand the gaming market."

Courtesy of Next Generation.

May 16, 2008