Just like the iconic Spice Girls song suggests, two individuals come together to form a unified whole. PlayStation has made the decision to replace Jim Ryan with two new executives: Hermen Hulst, previously the managing director of Guerrilla and now the chief of PS Studios, has been appointed to head the newly named Studio Business Group unit. This unit will be responsible for overseeing all of the Japanese giant’s first-party studios, as well as its other projects, such as PS Productions’ movies and TV shows. Joining him is Hideaki Nishino, who will head the Platform Business Group. This team oversees hardware, accessories, PSN, and third-party relations.
The dynamic duo will take over for Ryan, who had previously been PlayStation’s sole CEO, in a surprising move. They will start their new positions on June 1st.
“I am excited to take charge of the studio business group and further enhance our achievements with PS5, all while making preparations for what lies ahead,” Hulst expressed enthusiastically in a statement. The video game industry has become a massive force in the entertainment world, thriving on the fusion of captivating content and cutting-edge technology. I am excited to see how it will continue to innovate and redefine the realms of play and entertainment.
Nishino emphasized the commitment to fostering connections between players and creators through top-notch products, services, and technology. We are constantly working to expand our community by pushing the boundaries of innovation in all aspects of Sony Interactive Entertainment. I am thrilled to have been chosen for such a significant position alongside Hermen. By collaborating more closely, we will have the opportunity to create extraordinary experiences for a growing audience, both now and in the future.
The two CEOs will be reporting directly to Hiroki Totoki, who is currently serving as PlayStation’s interim CEO and also holds the position of chairman of the PlayStation division. “Sony Interactive Entertainment is an impressive and thriving business that offers captivating entertainment experiences by combining content and technology,” he stated. “These two leaders will be responsible for managing the strategic direction, ensuring that the focus remains on enhancing the experience for current PlayStation users and reaching out to new audiences.”
Sony’s decision to appoint two CEOs with distinct responsibilities is an intriguing approach. In theory, this move should allow the company to maximize its potential. PlayStation has experienced significant growth over the past 15 years. The new executive structure will enable the company to effectively balance its attention between software and hardware, providing the best opportunity for both aspects to thrive.