Head of PlayStation’s North American business resigns

7 Mar 2014

Jack Tretton, outgoing president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America

Jack Tretton, the chief executive and president of Sony’s North American video-game division, is stepping down from the role at the end of the month. The company only revealed the decision was mutual.

In a statement yesterday, Sony said Tretton resigned following a mutual agreement to “not renew their contractual relationship”. He has led Sony Computer Entertainment America since 2006, and has worked for Sony for 15 years.

Sony Computer Entertainment America’s executive vice-president and chief operating officer, Shawn Layden, will succeed Tretton, beginning 1 April, Sony said.

The company has credited Tretton with playing a pivotal role in increasing Sony’s PlayStation business in North America.

“Most recently, Tretton led the record-breaking launch of PlayStation4 (PS4), which sold more than 1m units in 24 hours in North America and is now the No 1 next-generation gaming console in North America and worldwide,” Sony said in its statement.

The PS4 launched in the US in November.

Jack Tretton image via Shutterstock

Tina Costanza was a journalist and sub-editor at Silicon Republic

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