Tretton To Head Sony Computer Entertainment In U.S.

By Steve Smith -- TWICE, 11/30/2006

Foster City, Calif. — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has named Jack Tretton president and CEO for the company, replacing Kaz Hirai who will be appointed president and group COO for SCEA parent company, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI) in Tokyo, effective Dec. 1.

Tretton was formerly SCEA executive VP and co-COO.

“Jack has been with SCEA since its formation and helped pilot the debuts of the original PlayStation, PlayStation2, PlayStation Portable and the successful launch of the recently released PlayStation 3,” said Hirai. “Given his experience and exceptional reputation in the industry, I can think of no better person to assume the helm of the PlayStation brand in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.”

A member of the original management team chartered with launching PlayStation in North America in 1995, Tretton has more than 23 years of consumer product experience to his new role at SCEA, including 20 years dedicated to the computer entertainment industry.

He has managed numerous departments within SCEA, including sales, business development, merchandising, marketing and product development. Prior to joining SCEA, Tretton held posts at software publishers JVC Musical Industries and Activision, as well as Majers Corporation and Duracell, USA.

Tretton replaces SCEA veteran Kaz Hirai who will be promoted to president and group COO of SCEI. Hirai, who had been with SCEA since 1995, will oversee the global operations of SCEI, filling the role previously held by Ken Kutaragi, who will be appointed chairman and group CEO for SCEI.