Sony confirms Hermen Hulst and Hideaki Nishino as its new PlayStation CEOs

Last year, it was announced that Jim Ryan, President of PlayStation and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment will be stepping down from his role. Sony has now confirmed that his responsibilities will be filled by two people, with Hermen Hulst and Hideaki Nishino stepping up into the positions of CEO of the new Studio Business Group and CEO of the company’s Platform Business Group respectively.

Both CEOs have been prominent members within Sony for many years. Hulst has previously served as head of PlayStation Studios, as well as within PlayStation subsidiary Guerilla Games, the developer behind the Horizon series. In his new role as CEO of the Studio Business Group, Hulst will oversee first-party PlayStation game content as well as adaptations of PlayStation franchises into other media, such as the upcoming second season of The Last of Us on HBO.

Nishino, on the other hand, has previously been Senior Vice-President of Sony’s Platform Experience Group. His new role as CEO of PlayStation’s Platform Business Group will include overseeing third-party publisher and developer relations and commercial operations as well as sales and marketing of hardware, services, and peripherals.

“It’s a true privilege to be asked to lead the new Studio Business Group for Sony Interactive,” Hulst stated in a post on social media. “I’m excited to continue working with incredibly talented teams and studios to deliver unforgettable game and entertainment experiences.”

It’s a true privilege to be asked to lead the new Studio Business Group for Sony Interactive. I’m excited to continue working with incredibly talented teams and studios to deliver unforgettable game and entertainment experiences. #sony #playstation #playstationstudios

— Hermen Hulst (@hermenhulst) May 13, 2024

“We will continue to connect players and creators through world-class products, services, and technology,” Nishino said a statement as reported by gamesindustry.biz. “We always strive to grow our community even bigger with innovation in every area at Sony Interactive Entertainment. I am honoured to be appointed such an important role alongside Hermen. By working more closely together, we will be positioned to build incredible experiences for an ever-expanding audience now and in the future.”

Both leaders will report to Sony Interactive Entertainment chairman Hiroki Totoki, who since Jim Ryan stepped down has been serving as Interim CEO at PlayStation. These changes in leadership will take effect from June 1st 2024. With multiple potential opportunities, as well as challenges facing the gaming industry, including a substantial number of layoffs within the company, PlayStation will need strong leadership more than ever. Both new CEOs have a long tenure within PlayStation and have a big shoes to fill following Jim Ryan’s departure. We will have to wait and see if they are up to the task as they assume their new positions within the company later this year.